what is some important facts about sickle cell?

Question

be specific such as life threatening facts

Answer 1

1. It is a hereditary disease.

2. It predominately affects blacks more than Caucasians or any other ethnic group.

3. The disease is caused by the malformation of red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are disk shaped and concave on both sides. Sickle cells are shaped like a crescent moon. It is this altered phsyical shape that causes sickle cells to stick to one another and form clogs in the arteries.

4. There is No cure for sickle cell disease.

5. With proper medical care, it can be controlled. However, people with sickle cell disease have a shorter life span than people without it.

6. People with sickle cell disease suffer several types of what is commonly called "crisises." The most common "crisis" is "painful crisis." Painful crisis is caused by the sickle cells forming a clog in an artery(s), which cuts off blood to that local area. The lack of blood is the cause of pain. Treatment includes: oxygen, morphine and hydration. Sadly, since morphine is commonly used, patient develop a drug addiction to it.

7. Sickle cell disease commonly destroy the spleen, which is a vital component of the immune system. As a result, sickle cell patients are advised to be vaccinated regular against common bacteria (e.g. strept.)

8. In one situation, sickle cell is a good thing. Hundreds years ago, in Africa, malaria was endemic (i.e. malaria was everywhere and never went away). Malaria is caused by a parasite, which attacks red blood cells. However, sickle cells are not as vulnerable to the malaria parasite. Thus, in an area where malaria was everywhere, it was a good thing to have sickle cells. Darwin's theory, those who had a greater survival rate lived. And, that is why sickle cell disease affects more blacks than any other racial group.

Answer 2

well if ur speakin of sickle cell anemia...
1.the sickle cells can block the blood flow into the brain, allowing an individual to have a stroke
2.u get chest pain and fever that can eventually lead to life-threatenin complications
3. individuals with this disease are more vulnerable to other diseases/ infections because the disease damages the immune system
4. you can become blind because there can be lack of oxygen entering to going into the eye.