Sickle cell disease affects hemoglobin. Hemoglobin in your body’s red blood vessels delivers oxygen to your tissues. In sickle cell anemia patients, the shape of their red blood cells changes, turning them stiff and sticky, which blocks blood flow. As a result, oxygen does not get delivered properly, and your body experiences several issues.
If you or your loved one has sickle cell disease, you should learn as much about it as possible. With early detection and prompt treatment, you can save your or your loved one’s life. Many people with the disease do not live past 50 due to a lack of treatment at the right time. Consult with an expert for lafayette sickle cell disease today.
Understanding sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a form of sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder. The condition turns your blood vessels stiff and sticky. Sickled cells prevent the blood vessels from doing their job, that is, carrying oxygen to various parts of the body. It creates a blockage; thus, the number of healthy RBCs becomes significantly less. This condition is known as anemia.
Sickle cell anemia can reduce your lifespan. Previously, babies born with the inherited disease rarely lived to see their adult years. Therefore, sickle cell anemia is life-threatening and fatal. Thanks to advancements in the medical field, early detection can help save one’s life and extend their lifespan.
Symptoms and complications
Many symptoms and serious complications can arise from your body not receiving enough oxygen. These symptoms can occur at any age in people suffering from the disease. Early symptoms may include the following:
- Pain and swelling in the hands and feet
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
As the condition progresses due to lack of treatment, further complications can arise:
- episodes of pain
- gallstones
- malnutrition (in young people)
- priapism, which refers to a prolonged and painful erection
- acute chest syndrome
- vision loss
- enlarged spleen
- leg ulcers
- pulmonary hypertension
- heart failure
- stroke
- deep vein thrombosis
- liver, heart, or kidney damage
- bone and joint damage
- a higher risk of infections
- fever
- infertility (in males)
When to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you notice any of the mentioned symptoms in you or your loved one. Even if you do not suspect you have sickle cell disease, you should still go to the doctor if you have it in your family medical history. Since children are more sensitive to diseases, they are likely to develop serious infections that can be life-threatening. In children, a serious symptom is usually a high fever (greater than 101.5 F or 38.5 C).
