PharmEasy Blog

All You Must Know About Sickle-cell Anaemia.

Sickle-cell anaemia is a disease passed down through families in which red blood cells form an abnormal crescent shape. (Red blood cells are typically shaped like a disc.) The distorted red blood cells are shaped like crescents or sickles. These sickle or crescent-shaped blood cells are fragile and are unable to deliver adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues. They clog easily in the smaller blood vessels, and even break easily. They can experience a disruption in the healthy flow of blood.

This condition is inherited from both parents. Sickle-cell disease is much more common in people belonging to the Mediterranean and African heritage. It is also seen in people from South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

It occurs when an individual inherits the Hemoglobin (S) gene from a parent and the haemoglobin (A) gene, which is normal, from another parent. Such an individual has the sickle-cell trait. However, those who the sickle-cell trait do not experience the symptoms of sickle-cell anaemia.

Patients with sickle cell disease are especially vulnerable to potential harms from unnecessary red blood cell transfusion, increased risk of alloimmunization to minor blood group antigens and a high risk of iron overload from repeated transfusions is a possibility in such patients.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of sickle-cell Anaemia show up in childhood only, especially between the ages of 5 and 15. Pain is a significant indicator of this disease. Most people begin having pain in their abdomen, hips, knees, and elbows. A severe pain crisis may require hospitalization until the pain is under control. Some of the other common symptoms include:

If you have sickle cell disease (SCD), you may need one or more blood transfusions (healthy blood from a donor put into your body) during your lifetime. During a blood transfusion, your blood and the donated blood must have matching antigens or special proteins on the surface of each red blood cell.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Tests to detect Sickle-cell Anaemia

Complete blood count (CBC) – this test screens for anaemia, a condition that occurs when not enough oxygen is delivered to the cells of the body due to the presence of abnormal haemoglobin. To cure this, HPLC or high-performance liquid chromatography, Hemoglobin electrophoresis, and even DNA testing are used to know what type of Hemoglobin is present in one’s blood.

Sickle cell anemia is a type of genetic anemia in which the RBCs shape will be like a sickle instead of normal biconcave shape. India has sickle cell disease in mainly tribal population. Early identification and treatment activity has been enhanced by recently launched National sickle cell anemia elimination program.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Treatment

Patients with the disease need ongoing treatment, even when they are not having a painful crisis. They should take supplements of folic acid (essential for producing red blood cells) because red blood cells are turned over so quickly. The purpose of treatment is to manage and control symptoms and to limit the frequency of crises.

During a sickle cell crisis, you may need specific treatments. Pain is then treated with painkillers and intake of fluids. Pain should not be ignored. Patients will need medication in large doses. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is a drug some patients use to reduce the number of pain episodes (including chest pain and difficulty breathing). However, it does not work for everyone.

In such a situation, vaccines and antibiotics are given to the patients to avoid bacterial infections. Such problems are common in children who suffer from sickle-cell Anaemia. Blood transfusions are also recommended and may be done on a regular basis to help avoid strokes.

Today the life expectancy of patients with this disease is 50 years or more compared to a mere 14 years before.

Also Read: What Causes High Red Blood Cell Count: Insights Into Hematological Disorders

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Think Twice Before You Idolize Your Favorite Fictional Characters!

Favourite Fictional Character We grew up watching these characters on our television sets. But have you ever wondered what it’d be like to meet sleeping beauty, the famous Disney princess or Po from the Kung Fu Panda fame in real life? We are assuming it won’t be much fun. Po’s morbid obesity will intimidate you and a 24/7 sleepy Sleeping Beauty will probably put you to sleep. PharmEasy decided to analyse each one of these childhood heroes and figure out what could possible be wrong with them.  Warning: Please don’t take this to heart, we love these guys as much as you do!

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Mario: This little guy got so over-enthusiastic that we had to call him ‘Super Mario’.  We are not sure if it were the mushrooms or the plants but this guy did get pretty hyper which leads us to suspect that he suffered from HYPERTHYROIDISM. He surely showed us all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from Thyroid problems.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the commonest mental disorders in children which can continue up to adulthood. Timely diagnosis and consulting a child specialist is very critical to avoid long-term consequences.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
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Olive, the damsel in forever distress, harassed by Bluto saved by Popeye is a well-known character. But we couldn’t help but notice that she was all bones and no skin. Not ‘naturally’ skinny but anorexic thin. This is a serious problem faced by many Indians, predominantly women.  Anorexia is the most common form of eating disorder.

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If you look deeper and beyond those unbelievably chubby blue cheeks and adorable puppy eyes, you’ll see that sadness’s problems ran deep. We often neglect mental health and brush it off as ‘all in the mind’ thing but mental health is softly and slowly killing us all. One in every 10 Indians is depressed and battling anxiety, depression, phobias, and eating disorders. Not everyone is lucky to find a companion like Joy in life who helps us get through things!

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Behold! Here comes the all-time Favourite Fictional Character (and probably the oldest) Disney princess. All of us grew up reading the magical story of Snow White and the elves. As Indians, we are obsessed with white skin tone but there’s an ‘unhealthy’ line between being pale and being fair. Statistics state that every second woman in India is Anaemic.

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Po is everybody’s hero! He is cute, he is smart, and he’s hilarious. He not only has some sweet Kung Fu moves but he also found his inner peace and chi and all that jazz. But most of us aren’t that fortunate to become dragon warriors with bulging bellies. We need to face our morbid obesity and take corrective measures.

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Sleep can be tricky. Sleeping too much and sleeping too little, both can be problematic. Finding the right balance is very important. Sleeping just right is extremely important as it can affect your body and mind (and your day in many cases).

Leave us a comment below if you wish to add to the list. Let us know your Favourite Fictional Character and we’ll help you find out what they are suffering from. Kidding! (not).

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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