In this essay Sickle Cell Anemia will be investigated in depth. What causes it, how it is passed on from generation to generation, and it’s origin will be explored, along with it’s how it occurs, how often it occurs and whether or not some races are more susceptible to it. Statistics and mortality rates will be included as well as some treatments and suggestions for those suffering with the disorder.
Sickle Cell Anemia can lead to many painful side effects of varying severity. Some such effects are strokes, which are brought about by the blockage of blood to one’s brain. Acute chest syndrome; this causes chest pain, fever and breathing difficulty, caused by a lung infection or sickle cells blocking blood vessels in one’s …show more content…
Currently the only cure is to have a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, however most people with the disorder either can’t find a relative with a suitable bloodmatch or are too old to undergo the transplant safely. Some of the effects that the transfusion could help or possibly prevent are periodic pains, swollen hands or feet, fatigue, spleen damage, pale skin and nail beds, yellow tint to corneas and/or skin, slowed growth and vision problems. Other methods to minimise the effects could be as follows: taking folic acid, as it is required to make new blood cells, and sickle cell anemia means that your red blood cells have a shorter lifespan, keep a healthy diet, increase the amount of vitamins you take in daily, drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, avoid extreme temperatures, exercise often, but don’t go too far, be cautious of over-the-counter medication, only fly on airplanes with pressurised cabins as unpressurised cabins may not provide adequate amounts of oxygen and be aware that one might need to have oxygen supplements in high altitude areas, ie skyscrapers, mountains,