Sickle Cell Anemia: Preventing the Inevitable
 When
blood cells dry out (dehydrate), the density of hemoglobin S within the cell
increases, thereby speeding the sickling process. The higher the concentration
of sickle hemoglobin and the more acidic the environment, the faster the sickle
cell process.
Sickle cells have a shorter life span (10 - 20 days) than the normal red blood
cells (90 - 120 days). Every day the body produces new red blood cells to
replace old ones, but sickle cells become destroyed so fast that the body cannot
keep up. The red blood cell count drops, which results in anemia. This gives
sickle cell disease its more common name, sickle cell anemia.
Because of their shape, sickled red blood cells can't
squeeze through small blood vessels as easily as the almost donut-shaped normal
cells. This can lead to these small blood vessels getting blocked which then
stops the oxygen from getting through to where it is needed. This in turn can
lead to severe pain and damage to organs.
People with sickle cell disorder need regular medical
attention particularly before and after operations, dental extraction and during
pregnancy. Many hospitals arrange follow-up
appointments and it is advisable to discuss with the doctors questions
concerning schooling, strenuous
exercise, family planning, suitable types of employment and air travel. When
a person is found to have a sickle cell disorder it is important that all
members of the family be tested. They will not necessarily have sickle cell
disorder but may be healthy carriers of a sickle cell trait.
There are a number of precautions you can take to prevent or
reduce the severity of long-term complications, caused by sickle cell anemia
-
 Have
regular physical examinations every 3 - 6 months.
-
Have periodic and careful
eye examinations.
-
Have sufficient rest, warmth, and increased fluid intake. (These are
critical precautions for reducing oxygen loss and the risk for dehydration.)
-
Avoid conditions, such as crowds, that increase risk for infections.
-
Eat a
healthy diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Stay away from too much meat, sugar, salt, alcohol, and processed foods.
-
Avoid excessive demands on the body that would increase oxygen needs
(physical overexertion, stress). Low impact exercise (leg lifts, light
weights) may be useful and safe for maintaining
strength, particularly in the legs and hips, but patients should consult
their doctor about any exercise program.
-
Avoid high altitudes if possible. If flying is necessary, be sure that
the airline can provide oxygen.
-
Do not
smoke,
and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Both active and passive smoking may
promote acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease.
-
Eat foods rich in
folic acid,
zinc, vitamin E, and cyanate.
Foods that help manage sickle-cell anemia.
Yams
Cassava
Radishes
Carrots
Millet
Sorghum
Cabbage
Kidney Beans
Lentils
Legumes
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Sickle Cell Disorder is a condition which is inherited
from both parents. This means that people are born with it, just as they are
born with other characteristics such as eye colour, hair texture and height.
For further information contact:
Sickle Cell Society
54 Station Road
London, NW10 4UA
UK
Tel 020 8961 7795
Fax 020 8961 8346
[email protected]
Dated 21 December 2011
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