Sickle cell anemia is a condition of the blood. The condition is genetic and is when the red blood cells are mutated into a crescent shape. The cells are hard and sticky which makes them easier to clot. Such aspects often mean that blood flow is cut off or slowed down from various organs in the body. Because of the nature of the disease, there are many people looking for ways of preventing sickle cell anemia. However, because this disease is heredity, there is no way of preventing it. That being said, there are methods of controlling is progress and the symptoms that go along with it.
Sickle cell is only one form of anemia that exists. This disorder means that the person has mutated red blood cells. Such a cell is in the shape of a crescent instead of that which is circular. However, the shape isn't the only thing different about these blood components.
The affected cells are sticky and hard. These characteristics make such components stick together, forming blockages. As a result, organs may not get the blood flow and oxygen that they need to function correctly. Over time, the body is damaged and all sorts of symptoms may appear.
Yet another aspect of these cells that is influenced. The sickle cell only has a lifespan of between 10 and 20 days. This number is only a small percentage of the average 120 days for the normal red blood cell. The bone marrow that creates these components cannot produce them fast enough to keep up with the death rate. Therefore, the body is always short of these elements.
There are many symptoms of this condition. Patients often have pale skin and experience dizziness, cold hands and feet, and may have trouble breathing. The skin may be jaundiced. Individuals may experience sharp pains caused by the blockages in the blood vessels. Complications may include stroke, organ failure, and hand-foot syndrome, plus others. Patients are often more susceptible to numerous types of infections.
Although there is no way of preventing the disease and there is no widely used cure, there are methods that a person can use to control it. There are also treatments to keep the pain and other symptoms under control. These remedies are often chosen based on the symptoms or complications that the patient is enduring.
Clinical trials are ongoing in various countries pertaining to the treatment of the disease. Research is constantly being done to try and make the lives of people with the condition better. Counseling is normally provided by clinics and hospitals to help patients cope.
This particular condition, although it is not preventable can be reduced in terms of symptoms and complications with certain treatments. The remedies that are used are based on what the patient is feeling the most, for example, shortness of breath, pain, or otherwise. Certain treatments may be used separately for the complications caused by the condition, for example, stroke. Research is being done to find more solutions for this illness. Counseling is generally recommended for patients and their families to help each individual cope with the given situation.
Sickle cell is only one form of anemia that exists. This disorder means that the person has mutated red blood cells. Such a cell is in the shape of a crescent instead of that which is circular. However, the shape isn't the only thing different about these blood components.
The affected cells are sticky and hard. These characteristics make such components stick together, forming blockages. As a result, organs may not get the blood flow and oxygen that they need to function correctly. Over time, the body is damaged and all sorts of symptoms may appear.
Yet another aspect of these cells that is influenced. The sickle cell only has a lifespan of between 10 and 20 days. This number is only a small percentage of the average 120 days for the normal red blood cell. The bone marrow that creates these components cannot produce them fast enough to keep up with the death rate. Therefore, the body is always short of these elements.
There are many symptoms of this condition. Patients often have pale skin and experience dizziness, cold hands and feet, and may have trouble breathing. The skin may be jaundiced. Individuals may experience sharp pains caused by the blockages in the blood vessels. Complications may include stroke, organ failure, and hand-foot syndrome, plus others. Patients are often more susceptible to numerous types of infections.
Although there is no way of preventing the disease and there is no widely used cure, there are methods that a person can use to control it. There are also treatments to keep the pain and other symptoms under control. These remedies are often chosen based on the symptoms or complications that the patient is enduring.
Clinical trials are ongoing in various countries pertaining to the treatment of the disease. Research is constantly being done to try and make the lives of people with the condition better. Counseling is normally provided by clinics and hospitals to help patients cope.
This particular condition, although it is not preventable can be reduced in terms of symptoms and complications with certain treatments. The remedies that are used are based on what the patient is feeling the most, for example, shortness of breath, pain, or otherwise. Certain treatments may be used separately for the complications caused by the condition, for example, stroke. Research is being done to find more solutions for this illness. Counseling is generally recommended for patients and their families to help each individual cope with the given situation.
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