Awareness

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease vary and range from mild to severe. The children may develop one or more of the following conditions and symptoms as part of the disorder:-

• Acute chest syndrome
• Aplastic crises (Paleness and fatigue)
• Hand foot syndrome (dactylitis)
• Infections
• Painful crises
• Splenic sequestration crises (blood blockage)
• Stroke
• Anemia (low red blood cells counts)
• Yellowing of skin and eyes (Jaundice).
• Shortness of breath
• Eye problems
• Delayed growth and puberty
• Sores (ulcers) on the legs
• Gallstones
• Priapism (painful erections in men)
• Bone damage

2. Treatment.

The treatment includes:-

• Medications
• Blood Transfusions
• Specific treatment for complications

3. Precautions and Preventions.

• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Drink adequate water every day.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Get flu shot and other vaccinations to prevent infections.
• See your dentist regularly.
• Educate yourself about disease.
• Avoid over exertion, stress and extremes of cold and heat.
• Get genetic counseling.
• Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking.
• Exercise regularly but in moderation.
• Take vitamins, including folic acid supplements, as prescribed.
• Fly on commercial airplanes with pressurized passenger cabins.

4. Urgent medical evaluation.

Patients and families should watch for the following conditions that need an urgent medical evaluation:-

• Fever
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Increasing tiredness
• Abdominal swelling
• Unusual headache
• Any sudden weakness or loss of feeling
• Pain that will not go away with home treatment
• Priapism (painful erection)
• Sudden vision change

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