Details Descriptions About :: sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia causes symptoms treatment 

Description of Sickle cell anemia

DefinitionAccording to dictionary definition  Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which your body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells. The cells are shaped like a crescent or sickle. They don’t last as long as normal, round red blood cells. This leads to anemia. The sickle cells also get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow. This can cause pain and organ damage.  Causes and Risk FactorsAccording to dictionary definition  A genetic problem causes sickle cell anemia. People with the disease are born with two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. If you only have one sickle cell gene, it’s called sickle cell trait.  Signs and SymptomsAccording to dictionary definition  The most common symptoms are:1. Pain2. Problems from anemia such as feeling tired or weak3. Shortness of breath4. Dizziness5. Headaches6. Coldness in the hands and feet  InvestigationsAccording to dictionary definition  A blood test can show if you have the trait or anemia. Most states test newborn babies as part of their newborn screening programs.  TreatmentAccording to dictionary definition  Sickle cell anemia has no widely available cure. Treatments can help relieve symptoms and lessen complications. Recent research is exploring treatment option such as:1. Blood and marrow stem cell transplants2. Gene therapy3. New medicines  NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute