Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness: Everything you need to know and a few ways to help!
- awhwifoundation
- Sep 18, 2024
- 2 min read
It indeed is a silly name. Let's start by explaining it!
What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
It is the malformation of red blood cells. Rather than having their normal round shape, this disease causes the red blood cells to have a sickle-like shape, hence the name.
Why is this an issue? For several reasons but just to name a few;
Anemia: Sickle cells have a very short lifespan compared to normal red blood cells. When a normal red blood cells will die after about 120 days, a sickle cell will die after 10 to 20 days, creating a shortage of red blood cells and therefore, leading to anemia. A shortage of red blood cells also implies that the body doesn't get a sufficient amount of oxygen meaning, low energy production thus, fatigue.
Pain Crisis: The sickle cells can sometimes get rigid and sticky which can slow down or completely stop blood flow and when this happens, it creates an excruciating pain in the affected region. This pain is sudden and can affect multiple parts of the body at the same time. Common areas affected by the pain are lower back, chest, abdomen and arms. Some people with sickle cell anemia also experience chronic pain from bones and joints damage.
Infections: The spleen is a very important organ in the defense against infections. Sickle cells can damage the spleen resulting in an increased risk of developing certain infections. Additional vaccines and antibiotics intake are recommended to prevent potentially life-threatening infections.
Organ failure: People with Sickle Cell Anemia present a higher risk of heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, eyes and brain complications since their organs aren't vascularized enough due to the shortage of blood.
Who does Sickle Cell Anemia affect?
Anyone! This disease is not specific to a particular group of people though it's true it's more common in certain ethnic groups like people from African descent, Hispanic Americans and people from Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent, but keep in mind that this is a genetic malformation and can therefore affect anyone.
What can we do to help people suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia?
Blood and Plasma donation. Donating your blood or your plasma to people suffering from the disease could save their lives. The transfusions would reduce the risk of some complications and reduce the severe anemia so, find out how to donate and make a difference today!
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