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Living with Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that impacts between 90,000 and 100,000 people in the United States, many of whom are African American. However, it can affect people of many nationalities and millions worldwide suffer from SCD. Although SCD can be serious and even life threatening, there are ways for those living with the disease to lead productive, healthy lives.
SCD occurs when the red blood cells, which are usually round, become hard and sticky and end up shaped like the tools (sickles) used to cut wheat. Those misshaped cells die quickly causing a shortage of red blood cells and anemia. Also, when the sickle cells die, they can cause a clog in blood flow which can result in pain, damage to organs and infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are some things that people with SCD can do to stay as healthy as possible:
• Get regular checkups. Regular health checkups with a primary care doctor can help prevent some serious problems.
• Prevent infections. Common illnesses, like influenza quickly can become dangerous for a child with SCD. The best defense is to take simple steps to help prevent infections. Click here for five tips to help prevent infections.
• Learn healthy habits. People with SCD should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day and eat healthy food. They also should try not to get too hot, too cold, or too tired.
• Look for clinical studies. New clinical research studies are happening all the time to find better treatments and, hopefully, a cure for SCD. People who take part in these studies might have access to new medicines and treatments.
• Get support. People with SCD should find a patient support group or other organization in the community that can provide information, assistance, and support.
There is blood test that can detect SCD. Detecting sickle cell trait is important for couples who want to have children and who may be carriers of the sickle cell trait.
Check out the CDC's website for more information on SCD.