Facts About Sickle Cell Anemia Prevention

By Imelda Reid


Sickle-cell is a hereditary disease that is portrayed by red blood cells assuming the shape of a sickle. Since people are born with this complication, sickle cell anemia prevention is impossible. The people with this gene can however take some precautions to make their life longer and manage the pain caused by the disease. It is not definite that any person born with the disease will die prematurely.

Because of the nature of this disease, the patients usually have a high risk of oxygen loss and dehydration. They are therefore required to take a lot of fluids in their diet. The people with this disease are also supposed to have adequate rest as their bodies do not have the capacity to handle too much fatigue. Regular examinations are also very important to detect if they have any complications that may lead to their death.

For the people with sickle cell, it is very important that they avoid intense activities that will increase the oxygen demand in their bodies. This is because the sickle shape in their red blood cells reduces the capacity to carry oxygen. They should always consult their doctor about any exercise program they want to engage in to seek their approval.

They should always avoid smoking or being exposed to passive smoking. The impure air can lead to some very serious chest syndromes. It is also important that they avoid high altitudes as much as possible. If it is mandatory to travel on air, they must make sure that the airline has oxygen tanks provided.

The major thing that causes death is the many illnesses that come about because of this syndrome. The sick individuals must therefore avert the illnesses in any manner they can. This may be done by vaccination against usual illnesses such as influenza, TB, hepatitis and others. Aside from the vaccines, precautionary antibiotics are also essential.

People with this illness must make sure that they always eat a balanced diet. Food supplements can also be used to complement to foods they take. Iron is an important component of their diet therefore must always be available in the diet. Over consumption of iron is however dangerous because they can cause an iron overload which is not good for the body.

This illness is known to bring about social and emotional distress to the victims and their loved ones. The children with this illness usually get isolated from the other kids at school and most of them get poor grades because of the frequent times they miss classes to go to the hospital. Adults are not exempted because they also go through their own share of problems.

Despite the fact that no family likes to see their loved one going through a lot of physical pain and frequent infections, it is important that the families be strong and show support to their sick loved ones. They should try to treat them normally and not make them feel like they are going to die. With all the above things observed, these people will live a long life just like normal people do.




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