What Sickle-Cell Anemia Symptoms, Signs and Causes

Healthcare professionals discern several categories of blood disorders. Among them, it is possible to notice a sickle-cell disease. Several types of this health condition exist, but the most widespread one is called a sickle-cell anemia. Thus, we can say that SCA is just another form of anemia. The main reason for the problem to exist is the heredity – the patient obtains the disorder from his or her parents.

To explain it all in a more understandable language, the disease makes the organism suffer from the lack of oxygen as the person starts losing healthy red blood cells. A healthy individual has flexible, round red blood cells. If the discussed condition takes place, these cells turn into the sickles. That is where the name comes from. The group of cells switches to the stiff condition. The problems with blood flow are obvious.

Doctors recall a number of symptoms. Those are exhaustion, lack of breathe, speedy heart rhythm, dizziness, regular headaches, cold extremities, and pale skin. The patients also complain of having a harsh pain in the chest. The limbs feel painful as well. It is possible to notice high fevers among the patients. The person is better to keep away from the physical exercises. An additional infection can worsen the situation.

What leads to the sickle cell anemia? When the person loses the red cell bloods, he or she stops receiving the necessary amount of oxygen to let the organism function properly. The genes mutate, causing SCA. Only a particular group of genes modifies. Those are genes responsible for the production of hemoglobin. It is an element rich for the iron, a necessary component of any bloodstream.

First of all, it causes the lack of this element in an organism. Second, the person loses its ability to receive and store oxygen. Because of the unusual behavior of hemoglobin, the red blood cells turn stiff and rather sticky. Parents diagnosed with this disorder pass the problem to their children at the genetic level. The condition, which predetermines this ‘transfer’ is known as the autosomal recessive inheritance. However, the disease takes place only in case both parents have this problem.

What are some ways to diagnose and analyze SCA? If you wish to find out whether you are a victim of the sickle cell anemia, first of all, it is critical to observe the character of blood. In case you suspect a child of being ill, it is crucial to identify the reason at the early phase of the disease may become almost irresistible with the time.

A method known as hemoglobin electrophoresis will not cost you a lot, but at least you will know the results for sure. Never postpone a visit to a doctor after you notice the signs described in this article. Other types of blood test may work too, but they are less effective in this situation. Often, it is part of the series called newborn screening tests. The main goal of such electrophoresis is to detect hemoglobin S and its level in blood.

Complications associated with SCA: usual infections, absence of resistance, slowdown in natural development, stroke, acute chest syndrome, and other. Various organs may fail to complete their duties. The patients also report having issues with organs of vision. It is possible to notice the skin ulcers on the limbs. In most cases, the legs are attacked. The carriers do not face the symptoms listed above just like in many other similar cases. Both groups of people can get extremely exhausted due to the intensive physical exercises as the level of oxygen in blood drops.

Okay, now it might interest you whether it is possible to avoid the sickle cell disease. As far as the problem is hereditable, it is important to obtain a consultation at the genetic level. It is critical to know your family medical history: whether any of your parents faced the problem, and if they are the patients or carriers of SCD. Mostly, babies and small kids are under the greatest threat as they may obtain the problem from their parents.

Also, when the disease happens, it is easier to get infected with other bacteria and viruses more frequently. Once the person learns that his or her child has this health condition, it is necessary to place the little patient on daily penicillin therapy. Usually, the therapy lasts until the child achieves five years. Various types of immunizations exist to solve the problem. It is critical to make sure the organism is absorbing the sufficient amount of oxygen. Those who are diagnosed with the sickle cell disease should avoid flying in airplanes as well as go to high altitudes because of the pressure.