Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, making them rigid and sticky, which can cause blockage of blood vessels, reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues, and increased chance of infections, pain, and other health problems. The Indian tribal population is particularly affected, with approximately 1 in every 86 births among members of Scheduled Tribes having the disease. The Indian government has recently announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047, focusing on awareness building, universal screening, and counseling.
What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle cell anemia is a type of sickle cell disease, which is a group of genetic disorders that alter the shape of red blood cells. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, which allows them to move easily through blood vessels. However, in sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons, and these cells become rigid and sticky, slowing or blocking blood flow.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6 months of age, and they vary from person to person and can change over time. Some common signs and symptoms include anemia, periodic episodes of extreme pain, swelling of hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth or puberty, and vision problems.
Anemia: Sickle cells break apart easily and die, and the red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they need to be replaced. But sickle cells typically die in 10 to 20 days, leading to a shortage of red blood cells and causing fatigue.
Episodes of Pain: Sickle cell anemia is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme pain, called pain crises, which are caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood flow to the chest, abdomen, and joints. Pain varies in intensity and can last for a few hours to a few days. Some people have a few pain crises a year, while others have a dozen or more.
Swelling of Hands and Feet: The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood circulation in the hands and feet.
Frequent Infections: Sickle cells can damage the spleen, increasing vulnerability to infections, and infants and children with sickle cell anemia commonly receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia.
Delayed Growth or Puberty: A shortage of healthy red blood cells can slow growth in infants and children and delay puberty in teenagers.
Vision Problems: Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells, damaging the retina and leading to vision problems.
When to See a Doctor:
If you or your child has symptoms of sickle cell anemia, you should see your healthcare provider right away. If there is a fever greater than 101.5F (38.5C), seek prompt medical attention as children with sickle cell anemia are prone to infections. If there are symptoms of stroke, such as one-sided paralysis or weakness in the face, arms or legs, confusion, difficulty walking or talking, sudden vision changes, unexplained numbness, or severe headache, seek emergency care immediately.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells and can cause significant health problems, including pain, frequent infections, delayed growth, and vision problems. With the recent announcement of a mission to eliminate the disease by 2047, the Indian government is taking an important step in addressing this issue, and improving the lives of those affected by sickle cell anemia
