Sickle Cell Anemia
by: Kaitlyn Luther
Defintion
Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic blood disorder where the oxygen carrying protein, Hemoglobin, becomes abnormally shaped.
Symptoms
- Sudden attacks of severe pain
- Constant pain
- Anemia
- Bacterial Infections
- Stroke
Cause
This disorder occurs when each parent passes down the defective hemoglobin gene. Some people will only inherit one defective gene which will cause them to be a carrier. therefore they wont experience the symptoms however they could pass down the disorder to their children.
Cures
- Vaccinations
- Pain medications
- Preventive Antibiotics
- Blood transfusions
- Some cases can be cured with a bone marrow transplant as well.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- blood tests at birth (only allowed in some countries)
- tests during pregnancy
Support Groups
There are many support groups for Sickle Cell Disease out there. One being the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association. They have a support group in Phoenix, Arizona which can be contacted at (602)- 254- 5048 and on their website which is listed below.