Sickle cell anemia is a chronic condition of blood that occurs as soon as the red blood cells change their shape and transform into sickle shaped cells. These cells are round shaped normally, while the transformation that takes place results in their shape and functioning being affected.
The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen around the body, so that every part receives its required amount adequately. The round or disc shaped red blood cells easily pass through the body to different organs, in order to transport blood.
However, when the condition of sickle cell anemia takes place, the cells shaped as sickles get stuck in vessels which are too narrow. This results in deficiency of oxygen in various parts of the body where the cells could not reach.
Furthermore, if organs such as the brain, kidney and heart do not obtain their share of oxygen, they may create a critical situation for the person who is suffering from it. One of the most common symptoms that is associated with it is pain, which may get worse in case the problem is not being controlled or cured. The lungs and liver may also start getting damaged.
The symptoms for sickle cell are various; however the individuals suffering from it may not experience them all at the same time. Moreover, some people may experience these symptoms in a mild form, while for others they may be so serious, that hospitalization of the sufferers may become necessary.
Even though the disease is present since the time of birth in an individual, its symptoms usually do not pop up before the baby has reached four months. Apart from pain which is the most common and frequently experienced symptom, people may also go through difficulty in breathing with ease, rapid heart rate, lethargy, dizziness, headaches and stomach pain, abdomen and chest.
The patient's feet and hands may also turn unusually cold and his/her skin may become pale. At times, blood may also be present in urine and the person may go through decreased fertility.
Children who are suffering from sickle cell anemia may feel pain in the stomach, chest or bones as the blood vessels start clogging up. The degree and duration of pain may vary from one to another, as it may last a few minutes or may linger for several days.
The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen around the body, so that every part receives its required amount adequately. The round or disc shaped red blood cells easily pass through the body to different organs, in order to transport blood.
However, when the condition of sickle cell anemia takes place, the cells shaped as sickles get stuck in vessels which are too narrow. This results in deficiency of oxygen in various parts of the body where the cells could not reach.
Furthermore, if organs such as the brain, kidney and heart do not obtain their share of oxygen, they may create a critical situation for the person who is suffering from it. One of the most common symptoms that is associated with it is pain, which may get worse in case the problem is not being controlled or cured. The lungs and liver may also start getting damaged.
The symptoms for sickle cell are various; however the individuals suffering from it may not experience them all at the same time. Moreover, some people may experience these symptoms in a mild form, while for others they may be so serious, that hospitalization of the sufferers may become necessary.
Even though the disease is present since the time of birth in an individual, its symptoms usually do not pop up before the baby has reached four months. Apart from pain which is the most common and frequently experienced symptom, people may also go through difficulty in breathing with ease, rapid heart rate, lethargy, dizziness, headaches and stomach pain, abdomen and chest.
The patient's feet and hands may also turn unusually cold and his/her skin may become pale. At times, blood may also be present in urine and the person may go through decreased fertility.
Children who are suffering from sickle cell anemia may feel pain in the stomach, chest or bones as the blood vessels start clogging up. The degree and duration of pain may vary from one to another, as it may last a few minutes or may linger for several days.
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