Reliable Ways Of Preventing Sickle Cell Anemia

By Sally Delacruz


Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects hemoglobin in the red blood cells. It comes with recurrent pain and several complications that have a far reaching effect on the victim. The patient suffers at psychosocial level, education and in a way that will interfere with his economic potential.

Couples intending to get married and bear children are advised to attend genetic counseling sessions before conception since this is the best way of preventing sickle cell anemia. This will help them establish their levels of vulnerability and prevent the birth of a child who is infected. The counselors offer insights on preventive measures, reproductive and treatment options available for the disease.

The level of severity determines how long a patient lives. Children with the most severe form rarely get to celebrate their fifth birthday. They succumb to severe cases of anemia or complications that arise from this condition. This can be prevented through early detection and preconception awareness. Those who survive beyond five years are also vulnerable to complications arising from the condition.

Sickle cell disease causes a lot of social economic pressure and stress to patients and their families. The crisis is recurrent and takes over every aspect of family life. Such a family gains a lot from support given by health departments and institutions to manage such patients. The care giver can concentrate on management while health-care providers address medical concerns.

With no cure, the only option available is management. The pain is sometimes unbearable with the disease requiring special attention on other personal aspects. Intervention measures involve antibiotics, analgesics, good nutrition and rest. The patient is also required to take a lot of fluids as well as folic acid supplements.

Some regions have developed effective therapeutic remedies that are still under analysis and testing. They are known to make the pain manageable and reduce severity of attacks. Morbidity and infant mortality have been known to reduce through neonatal screening. This also requires timely testing, parental education and comprehensive management.

The simplest, cost effective and inexpensive methods used include the use of penicillin to tackle infections. This option is not necessarily available to every household or family. Governments and health departments should prioritize counseling, prevention and advocacy. Early detection allows a patient to get skilled attention before the condition worsens.

The solution lies in a multi disciplinary approach that involves parents, teachers, care givers and parents. Effective data collection helps in monitoring trends and directing populations. Preconception counseling and screening is the most effective prevention method. It minimizes or eliminates infected-child births.

Localized solutions in managing the conditions are considered cost effective and reliable. Advocacy and outreach by social and health workers is crucial in reducing incidences of infected births. Some intervention measures used in other areas are expensive and thus unsustainable. Social advocacy, counseling and early detection makes management easier.

Examining family disease history for a couple helps them to eliminate chances of an infected birth. The most effective way is genetic screening but is not available to everyone because of resource constrains. Early detection and advocacy make management easier and effective.




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