Occasionally, individuals carry genetic traits capable of precipitating serious illnesses. One such genetic issue is known as the sickle cell trait. In a certain percentage of people, this flaw eventually results in a potentially serious health malady called sickle cell anemia.
The Trait Is A Genetic Flaw
The medical community stresses the importance of understanding that the sickle cell trait, sometimes also abbreviated as SCT, is not a disease in itself. Possessing the defect simply means that the afflicted subject has acquired the sickle cell gene from one of their parents.
Possessing The Trait Does Not Always Equate To Illness
Carrying the SCT does not necessarily guarantee that the stricken individual will come down with sickle cell anemia. In fact, medical researchers have concluded that an appreciable percentage of those holding the anomaly does not experience the physical manifestations of the illness and enjoy a normal existence.
Carriers Can Pass The Trait Onto Future Generations
An individual possessing one sickle cell gene and one normal genetic component are referred to as a carrier. This means that said subject will not contract the ailment but is still capable of passing said deficiency down to their children.
Two Faulty Genes Are Required To Contract The Illness
Typically, both parents must be carriers of the SCT and pass said flaws onto their children for the offspring in question to develop associated symptoms.
African Americans Are Most Impacted By SCT
African Americans are the most common ethnicity impacted by the SCT. Researchers have concluded that one out of every 12 members of this group carries the genetic concern. That said, the problem is also not rare in other cultures, such as in peoples from the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and southern Asian regions.
Millions Are Unaware They Carry The SCT
Healthcare industry investigators have found that roughly 3 million Americans carry the SCT. Moreover, because they are asymptomatic, many do not even realize it.
Children born to parents who both carry the SCT are likely to develop sickle cell anemia.
Overview
The disease exercises a negative influence over the makeup and performance of the blood and certain components of said vital liquid.
Specifically, this form of anemia strikes the red blood cells. These features execute the crucial function of transporting oxygen to the body's cells, tissues, and organs. Furthermore, said parts help the body filter out potentially hazardous materials like carbon dioxide.
Healthy red blood cells have a round shape. In persons with sickle cell anemia, these cells are odd-shaped. Researchers attribute this development to the fact that said structures become infiltrated with faulty hemoglobin, which is a protein necessary for proper oxygen transportation.
The hemoglobin in those with the sickle cell condition is classified as hemoglobin S. Normal presentations of the substance are scientifically categorized as hemoglobin A. Occasionally, malformed cells take on the shape of sickles, which is why the malady is named as such.
Symptoms
Symptoms often begin during childhood. Afflicted subjects could experience a wide array of significant, potentially life-limiting manifestations, such as systemic pain lasting several hours to days on end, swelling of the extremities, and an appreciably low red blood cell count.
Complications
Additionally, the impacted individual might encounter more serious concerns like infections, blood clots, vision problems, stunted growth, and pregnancy complications. Moreover, the condition could result in immediately life-threatening problems, such as strokes, high blood pressure inside the lungs, organ damage, blindness, and skin ulcers.
Diagnosis
Fortunately, a blood test routinely administered to newborn babies possesses the ability to identify hemoglobin S. A blood sample is drawn from the subject and sent to a lab for further analysis. Should the diagnosis be confirmed, the examining physician may wish to check the patient for underlying complications.
Furthermore, sickle cell conditions could be diagnosed in an unborn child. Healthcare providers can detect the condition after studying amniotic fluid extracted from the mother's womb. Such efforts might be worth considering if one or both parents is a carrier of the SCT or have been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
Potential Treatment Options
Presently, sickle cell anemia has no cure. That said, treatments are available, which are geared towards alleviating symptoms and either preventing or delaying the onset of serious complications. Such options include:
Currently, there are several Food and Drug Administration-approved medications doctors can prescribe to help alleviate the severe pain attacks associated with the disease.
Infection Prevention Techniques
Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia often take antibiotics like penicillin to prevent infections. Moreover, physicians strongly recommend those with the malady receive all recommended vaccinations.
Procedures
Sickle cell patients may need to undergo blood transfusions. This enables recipients to intake a solid amount of healthy red blood cells, which could reduce severe flare-ups and delay the occurrence of future untoward events.
Lifestyle Actions
Lifestyle changes might help prevent severe complications. Medical professionals suggest diagnosed individuals consume a nutritious diet rife with produce and grain products, remain properly hydrated, engage in light to moderate exercise, avoid temperature extremes whenever possible, refrain from cigarette smoking, and using over-the-counter medications with caution.
Prognosis
Unfortunately, individuals with sickle cell anemia have a reduced lifespan. On average, persons with the ailment live to between 42 and 47 years of age. However, with proper medical care, many patients far exceed such averages.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.