Sickle Cell Disease

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• QWhat causes sickle cell disease?

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  A Jumo Health answered

  Sickle cell disease is passed down in families, through people's genes. Genes carry the instructions for making red blood cells (RBCs).

• QWhat are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?

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  A Jumo Health answered

  People with sickle cell disease can feel weak, tired and short of breath. The RBCs are broken down more quickly, and the extra recycling means that some spare parts build up. One of these is called bilirubin, a substance that can get stuck in the skin and eyes, making them look yellow. Spare parts can also build up in the gallbladder and form gallstones, which can cause stomach pain. The curved RBCs can also get stuck in the bloodstream, causing problems for the body, especially pain.

• QHow do I manage my sickle cell disease on a daily basis?

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  A Jumo Health answered

  If you have sickle cell disease, it is important to keep as healthy as possible on a daily basis. This means doing regular exercise, eating healthily, drinking plenty of water, staying warm and avoiding chills, and getting plenty of rest. It’s also important to have regular check-ups with your doctor and hospital team. They’ll keep a close eye on you and make sure your medicines are doing their jobs properly.

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• QHow is sickle cell disease treated?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Sickle cell anemia may only be cured by a bone marrow transplant, though that process involves much risk. Usually, treatment focuses on relieving sickle cell anemia symptoms and preventing further complications. Antibiotics are often prescribed to children to protect against infection. To increase the number of healthy red blood cells, you may be prescribed a drug called hydroxyurea, or you may be advised to have a blood transfusion. To ease the pain caused by obstructions of sickle cells in small veins, doctors often recommend over the counter pain relievers and application heat to the affected areas.

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• QWhat is sickle cell disease?

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  A March of Dimes answered

  Sickle cell disease (also called SCD) is an inherited condition (passed from parents to children in genes) in which red blood cells in the body are shaped like a sickle (like the letter C). A person with SCD has red blood cells that are stiff and can block blood flow. This can cause pain, infections and, sometimes, organ damage and strokes. If you or your partner has SCD, you can pass it to your baby. Ask your healthcare provider to help you find a genetic counselor who can help you understand your chances of passing SCD to your baby. Learn more at: marchofdimes.org

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• QCan I donate blood if I have sickle cell disease?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  You are not eligible to donate blood if you have sickle cell disease.
   Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change from time to time. The most up-to-date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross blood center nearest you.
• QDoes the pediatric intensivist help children with sickle cell anemia?

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  A Dr. Dianne Parker, MD , Pediatrics, answered on behalf of MDLIVE

  The pediatric intensivist cares for patients with sickle cell anemia.  Some patients have pain crises that require intravenous fluids and pain medications.  Also, some are prone to bacterial infections that require intravenous antibiotics and monitoring.  In addition, a patient with sickle cell disease is at increased risk for stroke and if this occurs would require treatment in the intensive care unit.
• QWhat are blood transfusions for sickle cell?

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  A RealAge answered

  Blood transfusions are a type of treatment for sickle cell disease. The blood of someone who has sickle cell disease contains an abnormal form of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. In some people with sickle cell disease, that hemoglobin takes on a sickle or crescent shape, making it difficult for the cells to move normally through blood vessels and raising the person's risk for blood vessel blockage and stroke.
  
  Transfusions of red blood cells can increase the proportion of normal hemoglobin to abnormal hemoglobin and may reduce the risk of stroke and other complications in someone who has sickle cell disease.
• QIf I have sickle cell trait, do I also have sickle cell disease?

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  A Dr. Coleen Boyle, PhD, MS , Public Health & General Preventive Medicine, answered on behalf of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  People with sickle cell trait don't have sickle cell disease and don't usually show any signs of the disease. However -- in rare cases -- people with sickle cell trait might experience complications and, in extreme circumstances, sudden death. More research is needed to find out why some people with sickle cell trait have complications and others do not.
  
  The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.
• QWhy should I be tested for sickle cell trait (SCT)?

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  A Dr. Coleen Boyle, PhD, MS , Public Health & General Preventive Medicine, answered on behalf of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  You could have sickle cell trait and not know it. No matter what their ethnic background, both men and women need to be screened for sickle cell trait. Screening is equally important for men and women because it's the combination of genes from both parents that determines whether a child will have the disease.
  
  Testing is available at most hospitals or medical centers, from sickle cell disease community-based organizations, or at local health departments.
  
  A small sample of blood is taken from the finger (a "needle prick") and tested in a lab.
  
  If the results of the test show that a person has sickle cell trait, it is important that the person know what sickle cell trait is, how it can affect him or her, and if and how sickle cell disease runs in his or her family.
  
  The best way to find out if you are at risk of having a child with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease based on your family's history is to see a genetic counselor. These professionals have experience with genetic blood disorders. It is best to learn all you can before deciding to have children.
  
  The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.