Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease) is a disorder of the blood caused by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein within the red blood cells).
Types of Sickle Cell Anemia:
- SS disease – It occurs when you inherit copies of the hemoglobin S gene from both parents.
- SC disease – occurs when you inherit the Hb C gene from one parent and the Hb S gene from the other.
- SB+ (beta) thalassemia – It affects beta globin gene production. The size of the red blood cell is reduced because less beta protein is made.
- SB 0 (Beta Zero) Thalassemia – It involves the beta globin gene. It has similar symptoms to Hb SS anemia.
Symptoms:
- Excessive fatigue or irritability, from anemia
- Fussiness, in babies
- Bedwetting, from associated kidney problem
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Swelling and pain in hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Pain in the chest, back, arms, or legs
Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease:
- Medications
- Blood transfusions
- Stem cell transplant (for some children and teenagers)
If you have the symptoms above, do not hesitate to consult your doctor as this may be a serious problem already. Everyone’s health is important so we have to take good care of ourselves by simply following the recommendation stated above.
When to see a doctor?
For more information, Almurshidi Medical Agency is here to provide you the best hospitals and doctors in Bangkok.
Call : +66822004040
Whatsapp : https://wa.me/66822004040
