Sickle Cell Diseases Can Be Diagnosed In Children

Sickle cell disease is a form of blood disorder wherein the red blood cells in the blood make abnormal hemoglobin which is main carrier of oxygen in the body. The usually normal red blood cells which are round and soft become curved like a sickle and even stiffer resulting in them blocking the blood vessels.

Different types of sickle cell diseases are found which are either mild or those which cause severe ill health. This blood disorder is hereditary wherein the patient acquires it from his/her parents and is passed on through genes.

As the disorder is hereditary, it usually becomes evident from the childhood itself, wherein the child inherits the sickle hemoglobin gene from one parent and a sickle gene or another abnormal hemoglobin gene from the other parent.

In some cases, the child has one normal gene and one sickle cell gene. In that case, this child becomes the carrier of the disorder and can pass them on to his next generation. This indicates that the child has just the traits of sickle cell, but does not suffer from the disorder. If a child is born to parents both having sickle cell trait, then he/she has only 25 percent chance of contracting this disorder.

Owing to the red blood cells of people with this disorder not getting enough oxygen, the usually round and soft cells change their shape and become longer and curved.

These curved cells tend to get stuck in the blood vessels and blocks blood from reaching parts of the body.

This blocked blood vessels in the arms, legs, chest or any other parts of the body causes severe pain. As the form of disease is frequently seen in children, it has been found that they are more susceptible to infections.

These infections are caused mainly due to their spleen being damaged by sickle cells. When any kind of pain is caused due to the sickle cells blocking the follow of blood to the various organs, then the condition is called as `sickle cell crisis’ or `pain crisis’.

Usually tests are undertaken in children who have a likelihood of getting this disorder due to their either or both parents having it. Of late, most states test newborn babies for this disorder through a special blood test.

Once the child is diagnosed of this disorder, and then his/her parents need to take special precautions from the child contracting any kind of infection or lung problems.

The child also needs to take antibiotics like penicillin to avoid contracting infections. Apart from this, adequate among of folic acid is needed to replace all the damaged blood cells supplemented with healthy diet and plenty of water. The child should also take all the necessary shots along with some special ones recommended by the doctor.

The child also needs to have regular check-ups and follow-up check ups to ensure that there are no further complications or internal injuries.

If the child has contracted any further infection, fever, weakness or breathing problem, then he/she need to take intravenous fluids and antibiotics. In severe cases, blood transfusion, oxygen as well as strong pain killers are administered on the child.

Some of the most common symptoms seen in children suffering from this kind of disorder are paleness of the skin, yellow color of the skin, swollen limbs, fever or signs of infection, loss of appetite, tiredness, bouts of pain in various parts of the body, breathing problem or severe headache.

Though there is no cure for this disorder, if adequate care is taken, then people suffering from this disorder can lead a normal life. In some cases, it has been found that bone marrow transplantation had cured the disease.

Some of the preventive measures to avoid crisis are daily dosage of penicillin to keep away from infection. The individuals with this disorder should remain as healthy as possible by having a healthy diet, take lots of rest and drink plenty of water. They should also avoid any chances of falling ill or getting too tired.

To reduce or control pain, usually some over-the-counter pain killers are prescribed. However, if the pain is severe, then mild narcotic like codeine is prescribed which the patient has to take regularly rather than wait for the pain to come.

Usually, hot bath, heating pad, rest, massage or physical therapy also provide relief to the patients. To add to all these, the patient should develop a positive attitude towards his/her condition and learn to deal with it.