Overview of Sickle-cell Anemia And Sickle-cell Trait
Sickle cell disease takes its names from the abnormal shapes that occur to the red blood cells in this disorder. These abnormally shaped cells are fragile and can easily break. Destruction of many red cells can lead to anemia. Also, the abnormal share of the cells can affect the flow of blood. Small vessels can become blocked. This is an inherited disorder. It is more common in black people. The disease is a recessive disorder, meaning that the diseased gene needs to be inherited from both parents to have sickle cell disease. It you have only one abnormal gene, you are considered to have sickle cell trait. Those people that have sickle cell trait may have some abnormalities of the red cells, however, they usually do not produce symptoms unless in a low oxygen environment.
Causes of Sickle-cell Anemia And Sickle-cell Trait
This is a genetic disorder. In the red blood cells, there is an abnormal type of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S. In Sickle cell disease, this abnormal hemoglobin is present in all of the red cells. It causes the cells to change shape. This abnormal shape leads to impaired blood flow and well as fragile cells. The fragile cells frequently break, producing hemolytic anemia. As the amount of oxygen in the red cell decreases, it forms a more deformed shape.
Signs and Symptoms of Sickle-cell Anemia And Sickle-cell Trait
Sickle cell disease can lead to anemia, with shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and exercise intolerance. Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes can occur from the destruction of many red cells. Repeated episodes of pain occur in the joints, chest, abdomen and back. Frequent infections, especially pneumonia, may develop. Delayed growth and delayed development in children and infants can occur. Skin ulcers may develop, particularly in the legs. It the retina is affected (the lining of the back of the eye that converts light to nerve impulses), visual symptoms can occur. Abdominal pain can develop, especially in the left upper abdomen, if the spleen in injured. The breakdown of red cells can lead to the development of stones in the gallbladder. This can produce left upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and pale stools. If an artery in the brain is blocked, it can lead to a stoke.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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