Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell Anemia is a genetic disorder that alters the shape of the red blood cells i.e. the new shape is that of a sickle. To that end, their life cycle is abnormal, they die fast and once they are dead, they are not completely destroyed. Furthermore, as the cells are sickle shaped, they are not able to transport nutrition in a proper manner. As a result, it entails many symptoms like:

1. Fatigue

2. Anemic symptoms

3. Weakness

4. Slow growth in babies.

5. Pain,

6. Swelling of hands and feet.

Fortunately, there are treatment options for leukemia availableand they are as follows:

1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be given to children that are of two months of old. They need to continue to take the medication until they are 5 years old. This assist in preventing infections as the body tends to be vulnerable to infections as sickle cells tend to damage the spleen.

2. Pain relieving medications: As sickle cells accumulate on hands and feet, pain is also common. Pain medications can provide treatment from this symptom.

3. Blood transfusion: Transfusing fresh and healthy red blood cells can make up for the lack of red blood cells in the patient and can provide some reprieve from the symptoms of this disease.

4. Bone marrow transplant: This is basically the final treatment option. It entails grafting healthy blood producing stem cells inside the bone marrow.