Sickle Cell Disease
#15
Sickle cell disease, also called sickle cell anemia, is a group of inherited disorders. In sickle cell disease, some red blood cells are shaped like a sickle, hence the name. This happens because of a genetic mutation that causes the sickle-shaped cells to become hard and sticky, which can block blood flow.
Symptoms
Most people don’t show signs of sickle cell disease until they’re around 6 months old. Some symptoms include extreme tiredness, pain crises, which are episodes of extreme pain, swelling of the feet and hands, vision problems, and jaundice.
Complications
Sickle cell disease can lead to complications such as increased infections, stroke, organ damage/failure, gallstones, and high blood pressure.
Treatment
The cure for sickle cell disease is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, but it comes with risks, so it isn’t done very often. Usually, only children with very severe symptoms are considered for this kind of transplant. Other treatments include blood transfusions, antibiotics, and vaccines to prevent infections, and medicines to prevent the blood cells from sickling or to reduce pain crises.
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It’s a very painful disease , some patients on pain medication every day, so hard to see kids in pain.