Sickle Cell Anemia - Symptoms & Treatment
Overview
Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In someone who has SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky
Risk Factors
- Can be diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Sickle cell disease is genetic – to have it, children must get 2 faulty genes – one from each parents.
Signs and Symptoms
- Anemia
- Episodes of pain / Unexplained episodes of severe pain – such as bone pain, pain the abdomen,.
Diagnosis
- Blood film and Blood tests called Hb electrophoresis can measure Hb S levels.
- HbS level determines patient is a carrier or suffering from disease.
Treatment
FAQ
- What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
- Are there different types of sickle cell disease?
- How common is it?
- What kind of challenges might patients face?
