By Amy Williams

Clark County Health Dept.

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects the red blood cells.

This condition is inherited and is most prominent in the U.S. within the African-American population.

For a child to have sickle cell anemia, both biological parents must carry the gene.

The disease gets its name from the shape of the red blood cells, also known as crescent-shaped, or sickle-shaped.

These red blood cells are not as easily passed through small blood vessels, which makes it more difficult for blood to reach all essential parts of the body to provide oxygen and nutrients.

Affected blood cells are rigid and sticky, causing them to get lodged in small blood vessels.

Organs and tissues that do not have normal blood flow eventually become damaged. This is when complications arise in those diagnosed.

At this time there is no cure for sickle cell disease.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms include, anemia, pain, delayed growth, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent infections and vision problems.

More complications can present later in life, causing even more damage. As such, stroke, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension — also known as high blood pressure, organ damage, blindness, gall stones and leg ulcers have also been known to occur in patients.

Prevention

A genetic screening can detect if you carry the sickle cell trait.

If both parties carry the sickle cell trait, their chances of having a child with sickle cell anemia is high.

You may want to seek out a genetic counselor before planning to have a family. You will be better able to understand your risks of having children with sickle cell anemia.

Treatment

As with most conditions and diseases, patients with sickle cell anemia are recommended to have regular check-ups with their primary care physician.

Some treatment can occur to lessen signs and relieve symptoms and complications.

Bone marrow transplants offer the only possible cure for sickle cell anemia. This, however, is reserved for patients who are younger than 16 because of risks and complications in older patients.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to find a suitable donor, and the procedure itself can pose serious health risks and possible death.

Other treatments might include medications to aid in pain reduction, prevent further complications and periodic blood transfusions.

Clark County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including Smoking Cessation, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well child care/immunizations and home health care. For more information, call 859-744-4482 or visit www.clarkhealthdept.org.