When you think of the major health concerns that are heavily affecting the black population, several diseases come to mind, but rarely is Sickle Cell Anemia mentioned. Until I had the unfortunate experience of losing my brother-in-law AJ to the disease in 2009, I, like so many others, had been oblivious to the severity of the disease. In honor of Fresh Health Month, get to know some important facts about Sickle Cell.
What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle Cell Anemia is one of the most common inherited blood diseases and primarily affects Africans and African Americans. Although sickle cell is not a “black gene”, it disproportionately occurs in the black population. Current estimates are that one in 1,875 U.S. African Americans is affected with sickle cell anemia. It is a disorder of the blood caused by inherited abnormal hemoglobin that causes distorted red blood cells. These blood cells are fragile are prone to rupture and when this occurs, the condition is referred to as sickle cell anemia. The irregularly shaped cells can and usually block blood vessels which in turn cause tissue and organ damage as well as intense pain.
How is Sickle Cell Diagnosed?
Sickle cell anemia is diagnosed when the abnormal “sickle-shaped” cells are identified under a microscope. Prenatal diagnosis can also be possible using amniocentesis of the fetal cells. Sickle cell requires the inheritance of two sickle cell genes. When there is only one sickled gene/trait, it almost never produces a problem. The best way to know is to get tested especially when thinking about having children. It’s important for both parties to be aware of whether they or a family member can be a possible carrier of the trait.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms and features include: fatigue and anemia, pain crises, swelling and inflammation of hands and feet, bacterial infections, lung and heart injury, eye damage, leg ulcers, etc. Depending on the strand and the health history, each person can be affected and experience symptoms in many ways.
For more information and support, visit www.sicklecelldisease.org.
“The first wealth is health”- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Until next time...keep the forward movement....
Posts
2 comments:
I found your site on twitter. My husband and I have a daughter living with SCD. By God's grace she as been fine. We both did not know that were had the SC-trait. I know that there are many other couples in the same position; as a result, I'm on a mission to make others more aware of this disease. I am now one of your blogs newest followers and would love if you returned the favor. Here is our story http://cleverlychanging.com/?p=116
Hello! Thank God she's been well, because it's a tough disease. It's a wonderful thing that you're trying to get the message out. It's important that people know more so that they're aware of prenatal testing and having themselves tested as well. Thanks for following! I will most certainly do the same. God bless!
Post a Comment