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The existence of Sickle Cell disease was first reported around the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1910, Dr. James Herrick in Chicago treated an individual with symptoms of pains in the stomach and joints, dizziness and general tiredness. Dr. Herrick examined the individual and discovered leg ulcers and acute chest syndrome. These symptoms were finally linked to a disease called ?sickle cell? in 1917.
Sickle Cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. It is not a virus and is not contagious. An individual acquires sickle cell disease from genes passed to him or her by both parents, much in the same way as blood type, hair color and texture, eye color and other physical traits are inherited. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can change the shape of normal red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape. In the United States, sickle cell anemia affects about 70,000 people. It mainly affects African Americans. The disease occurs in about 1 out of every 500 African American births. Sickle cell anemia also affects Hispanic Americans. The disease occurs in 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic American births. About 2 million Americans have sickle cell trait. The condition occurs in about 1 in 12 African Americans.
Normal red blood cells are soft and round, flat and flexible; they can squeeze through tiny blood vessels with no problem. Hemoglobin is the protein in blood cells that carries oxygen on the red blood (capillaries) cell's journey to all parts of the body. Ordinarily, the hemoglobin molecules exist as single units in the blood cell: much like beads inside a beanbag.
Individuals with sickle cell disease have a small change in their hemoglobin.Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin that causes the cells to have a sickle shape. Sickle-shaped cells don’t move easily through your blood vessels. They’re stiff and sticky and tend to form clumps and get stuck in the blood vessels. The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in the blood vessels that lead to the limbs and organs. Blocked blood vessels can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage.
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Signs and Symptoms?
Sickle Cell disease usually begins in early childhood. Characteristics of this disorder include a low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and recurring episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications.
What makes the red cell sickle?
When red blood cells sickle, they break down prematurely, which can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells may also cause yellowing of the eyes and skin, which are signs of jaundice.
How do you get Sickle Cell Anemia?
It is not a virus and is not contagious. An individual acquires sickle cell disease from genes passed to him or her by both parents, much in the same way as blood type, hair color and texture, eye color and other physical traits are inherited.
Who
should be tested?
People who are at high risk for sickle cell anemia and are planning to have children may want to consider genetic counseling. A counselor can help you understand your risk of having a child who has the disease and help explain the choices that are available to you.
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