What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Sickle-cell anemia is a version of anemia that is especially predominant in the genetic

makeup of people who are from or have descended from people in tropical regions where malaria is prevalent. This is because sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to be produced in the shape of a sickle and this hampers the survival of the carrier of malaria, thus reducing the chances of the disease being infectious. However sickle-cell anemia usually reduces the lifespan of affected individuals to around 42 for men and 48 for women.

What Causes Sickle-Cell Anemia?

Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces hemoglobin. Individuals who inherit one sickle-cell gene and one normal gene get a condition known as sickle-cell trait wherein a small percentage of the red blood cells are shaped like sickles. These individuals maintain their resistance to malaria but have a longer life expectancy and can indeed live fairly normal lives.

However if an individual inherits two sickle-cell genes then he or she will suffer from sickle-cell anemia.

The Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of sickle-cell anemia range from mild to extremely serious and they are different for each person. Most of the symptoms are similar to those of anemia and include dizziness, fatigue, pale skin, chest pains etc. However, sickle-cell anemia can also result in several serious complications that can be fatal if not treated immediately. Sickle-cell crisis refers to the onset of sudden pain that is common among sickle-cell anemia patients. It results when many sickle-shaped blood cells form a clump in the bloodstream and damage organs and small blood vessels as they pass around the body. This pain can either last for a few hours or days but it can also stretch to a few months.

Sickle-cell anemia can also cause complications with the spleen, resulting in a potentially fatal condition. Moreover, the blockage of blood vessels in the hands or the feet can occur and this results in hand-foot syndrome which is also painful.

Sickle-cell anemia cannot be cured completely but doctors focus upon treating the symptoms. Patients are usually given regular medical care alongside medication to relive pain. Regular blood transfusions are also required to stabilize the condition. Sickle-cell anemia is thus a serious illness that requires continuous medical attention. This makes it a very hard condition to live with.

by: Bob White

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