Sickle Cell Disease

Overview of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease Meaning in Urdu

یہ خون کی ایک موروثی بیماری ہے جو کہ ہیموگلوبن کو متاثر کرتی ہے۔ ہیموگلوبن خون میں پایا جانے والا ایک پروٹین ہے جو کہ جسم کے مختلف حصوں کو آکسیجن پہنچاتا ہے۔ اس بیماری کی وجہ سے جسم کے تمام سیلز کو آکسیجن نہیں پہنچ پاتی۔

خون کے سرخ خلیات کی شکل گول ہوتی ہے مگر اس بیماری کی وجہ سے یہ خلیات چاند کی چکل اختیار کر لیتے ہیں، جس سے خون کی شریانیں بند ہو سکتی ہیں اور تکلیف کا سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے۔ اس بیماری کے لاحق ہونے کے بعد خون کے سرخ خلیات کی عمر کم ہو جاتی ہے اور وہ دس سے بیس دنوں میں ختم ہو جاتے ہیں۔ جب کہ صحت مند انسان میں سرخ خلیات کی عمومی عمر ایک سو بیس دن ہوتی ہے۔

Sickle cell anemia is a blood disease that usually affects red blood cells in the body. The disease affects the normal functioning of red blood cells to carry oxygen. A substance known as hemoglobin is responsible for the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. 

In the case of sickle cell anemia, the cells become incapable of carrying oxygen properly changing the shape of red blood cells. The disease changes the shape of red blood and this modification hinders the passage of blood cells through the blood vessels interrupting normal blood flow.

Signs and Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

The condition directly affects the blood and the symptoms start appearing at an early stage i.e. 5 months of age. Some of the common sickle cell disease symptoms include: 

  • Anemia
  • Tiredness
  • Pain that affects body areas
  • Infections
  • Growth problems
  • Limbs swelling
  • Vision problems
  • Pale skin and yellow  eyes
  • Dark colored urine
  • Lightheadedness
  • Breathing problems
  • Pulmonary hypertension 
  • Increased heart rate

Types of Sickle Cell Disease

Causes of Sickle Cell Disease

The problem of sickle cell anemia is genetic in nature and occurs when a child gets both sickle cell genes from each parent

Happniness

Risk Factors of Sickle Cell Disease

The condition is usually genetic and people of certain groups are considered to be at risk of developing the problem. Some of the popular population groups carrying sickle cell genes include Africans, Americans, Indians, and Mediterranean people.

Happniness

Prevention

The condition is purely genetic so there are no ways to prevent the disease.

Happniness

Diagnosis

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition and can be diagnosed through the following procedures:

Blood Tests: Sickle cell disease can be diagnosed with blood testing that can reveal the Hb level as well as the shape of red blood cells. The tests are usually performed after birth.

Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease | When to Consult a Doctor

When it comes to the treatment of sickle cell disease, unfortunately, we don’t have ways to treat the disease completely. However, several treatment options are there to help with the management of symptoms and make a patient's life manageable. Here are some of the ways to treat the problem:

Medication

Certain antibiotics can help to treat the infections that usually occur in patients with sickle cell anemia. Other pain-relieving medications also help patients with pain management. 

Blood Transfusion

Patients who suffer from severe anemia may require a blood transfusion. This can help to restore normal blood functioning for some time. If you constantly experience these symptoms, then consult a medical professional as soon as possible.