4 Facts Everyone Should Know about Sickle Cell Disease

One of the most dreaded health conditions, sickle cell disease, comes with a panoply of complications. Fortunately, ensuring genetic compatibility is the most effective way to avoid this disease. However, certain risk factors increase the severity and occurrence of severe complications, some of which can be life-threatening. Here are 4 facts you need to know about sickle cell disease.

Why Does Sickle Cell Disease Occur?

Sickle cell disease occurs because of abnormal hemoglobin, which makes the cells sickle-shaped. Hemoglobin is the protein in your cells whose primary function is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to other tissues in your body. Hence, having defective hemoglobin causes a lot of damage to the red blood cells. It reduces their life span to between 10 and 20 days instead of 120 days for normal red blood cells. This is why sickle cell disease often occurs with anemia and fatigue. The mutated hemoglobin also gives the red blood cell its sickle shape, which can further block the blood vessels, decrease oxygen distribution, and cause several complications.

What Are the Complications?

The most severe and painful complication of sickle-cell disease is called a vaso-occlusive crisis. This means the red blood cells stick together, leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs. There is also decreased red blood cell production and malfunctioning of the spleen, accompanied by swelling and congestion. Other complications include acute chest syndrome, stroke, vision problems, organ failure, and damage.

What Are the Risk Factors of Sickle Cell Disease?

As this condition can be inherited, genetics is the major risk factor for this disease. Africans and black Americans are also prone to developing sickle cell disease because of the evolutionary trait developed due to the high occurrence of malaria in history. The sickle cell trait confers a protective benefit to developing malaria by suppressing the proliferation of the malaria parasite.

Other risk factors leading to the development of complications include infection, dehydration, emotional stress, exposure to extreme temperatures, pregnancy, menopause, etc.

Are Remedies Available?

Many of the complications associated with sickle cell disease can only be managed. This includes taking prescribed medication and adapting to healthy lifestyle habits. Also, global advancement of sickle cell care is a paramount step to improve awareness of this condition and give hope to sickle cell patients.