Sickle Cell Anaemia
"WHAT IS SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA?"
Sickle Cell Anaemia is a condition that affects the blood. Red blood cells, whose role is to transport oxygen around the body, can usually pass easily through blood vessels. In Sickle Cell Anaemia the red blood cells cannot pass through the blood vessels as easily. This happens when haemoglobin, the property of blood that transports oxygen, is changed due to genetic factors.
Everyone inherits two copies of the haemoglobin gene, one from each parent. If one of the genes refers to sickle haemoglobin, then the person is said to have sickle cell trait. If both of the genes refer to it, then the person will inherit Sickle Cell Anaemia.
"WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA?"
Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia may suffer from episodes of pain in their chest, abdomen, back, jaw, legs or arms. This is most likely to occur after physical exertion or if the child is dehydrated. Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia are also more susceptible to infections. Other problems linked to the condition include greater likelihood of gallstones, jaundice and strokes.
"HOW ARE DIFFICULTIES MINIMILISED?"
During times when a child with Sickle Cell Anaemia is not suffering from any pain, care should still be taken to ensure that their health and nutrition are maintained and that they avoid extreme temperatures. They should also make sure to drink plenty of water every day and to avoid too much exertion and stress. Any infections should be treated quickly.
Minor pain can be treated at home with pain killers and by increasing fluid intake. In the event of high fever and severe pain in the chest, spine or abdomen a child should always be taken to hospital.
It should be stressed that children with Sickle Cell Anaemia often go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Sickle Cell Anaemia is a condition that affects the blood. Red blood cells, whose role is to transport oxygen around the body, can usually pass easily through blood vessels. In Sickle Cell Anaemia the red blood cells cannot pass through the blood vessels as easily. This happens when haemoglobin, the property of blood that transports oxygen, is changed due to genetic factors.
Everyone inherits two copies of the haemoglobin gene, one from each parent. If one of the genes refers to sickle haemoglobin, then the person is said to have sickle cell trait. If both of the genes refer to it, then the person will inherit Sickle Cell Anaemia.
"WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA?"
Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia may suffer from episodes of pain in their chest, abdomen, back, jaw, legs or arms. This is most likely to occur after physical exertion or if the child is dehydrated. Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia are also more susceptible to infections. Other problems linked to the condition include greater likelihood of gallstones, jaundice and strokes.
"HOW ARE DIFFICULTIES MINIMILISED?"
During times when a child with Sickle Cell Anaemia is not suffering from any pain, care should still be taken to ensure that their health and nutrition are maintained and that they avoid extreme temperatures. They should also make sure to drink plenty of water every day and to avoid too much exertion and stress. Any infections should be treated quickly.
Minor pain can be treated at home with pain killers and by increasing fluid intake. In the event of high fever and severe pain in the chest, spine or abdomen a child should always be taken to hospital.
It should be stressed that children with Sickle Cell Anaemia often go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
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This information is meant to be helpful but Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be responsible for any loss caused by reliance upon it. If you have concerns about your child, please seek professional educational/healthcare advice. Should you find anything which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.