So much awareness have been created on sickle cell that even a layman knows what it is.Let's delve deeper.
Sickle cell is a hematopoietic disorder which simply means it's a blood disorder specifically affecting the red blood cells.The erythrocytes play many important roles in our body including carrying oxygen molecules and eliminating free radicals.The red blood cell can be said to be circular in shape with an average life span of three months.In people with sickle cell,the red blood cell is sickle shape which means they can't effectively do their functions.
And oh!,don't forget that it's an inherited red blood cell disorder,that is,it can be passed from parent to offsprings.The subject of doing sickling test has been of much importance in recent times and would be couples are advised to do this test to avoid having children with the disease.
Sickle cell crisis come in so many forms.Let's talk about vasocclusive crisis.
Our bodies have arteries that supply blood to specific parts of out body.Blood supply is important for tissue metabolism.Through the blood supply,oxygen is given to the tissues and carbon dioxide and other waste are carried away from the tissues.In vassocclusive crisis,the sickle red blood cell clogs up or accumulated at a particular point in the arteries.This prevent blood from flowing.No blood flow means no oxygen and the tissue can't function.This leads to pain,ischaemia and tissue necrosis(tissue dying) and in extreme cases organ dysfunction and death.
The next crisis is hemolytic anemia.During crisis,the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those being destroyed.Wity this,your red blood cell count goes low explaining the anemia.The hemoglobin in red blood cells is released into the blood.This simply explains the hemolysis.
Hemoglobin is pigmented so the urine colour would be "cola-like" dark urine and can result in acute kidney injury.
The last crisis we will talk about is acute chest syndrome.Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a group of symptoms that occurs when sickled cells clump together in the lungs.There will be reduced blood and oxygen supply to the part of the lung involved.It can sometimes present itself like pneumonia and it's characterised by chest pain,chest tightness,breathing very fast,cough and shortness of breath.
Lastly,some of the precipitating factors for sickle cell crisis include allergies,pain,cold weather,asthma,dehydration,infections,alcohol and smoking.
To sum it all up,sickle cell disease and its crisis is not a pleasant one.Hence,it's imperative for us to always get tested before you say,"I do".Love is beautiful but kindly think about the pain you will make your kids go through.It will take away your time as you would be moving in and out of the hospital,your resources won't be spared too.Let's continue to spread awareness.
Tags:
Men