A Brief Description of Sickle Cell Anemia
Adams 1
Dwayne Adams
Instructor: Croshaw
Medical Terminology 1
18, April 2013
Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle-cell Anemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by the presence of an abnormal form of hemoglobin molecules in which the red blood cells loose their disc-shape and become crescent shaped. The shape also known as “hemoglobin S”. unlike normal red cells which are usually smooth and malleable, tend to collect after releasing oxygen, and cannot squeeze through small blood vessels. The organs are then deprived of blood and oxygen. The basic life-span of an affected cell is generally from 1.5 to about 3 weeks, which represents approximately 10% to 20% of a normal cell's life. Because they cannot be replaced fast enough, the blood is chronically short of red cells. This results in abnormal functioning and breakdown, causing episodes of re-occurring pain, discomfort, and damage to vital organs, causing Anemia. It is not contagious, nor can it be transmitted through contact. It can only be caught through birth, and must be inherited from both parents for the illness to occur in children. A child with only one copy of the gene may have sickle-cell traits but no symptoms of illness. Historically, Sickle Cell Anemia has only affected people who originate from areas of Africa, parts of India, the Mediterranean, South and Central America, the Caribbean, or descendants of these groups. About 2,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year in the United States. Symptoms of this condition include, severe pain, anemia, chest pain and difficulty breathing, strokes, joint or arthritis pain, bone infarctions, and blockage of blood flow in the spleen or liver. These are sometimes followed by severe infections, fatigue, paleness, rapid heart rate, shortness
Adams 2
of breath, yellowing of the eyes and skin. Younger children with sickle cell anemia have attacks of abdominal pain. Other symptoms may occur like painful and prolonged erections
Dwayne Adams
Instructor: Croshaw
Medical Terminology 1
18, April 2013
Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle-cell Anemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by the presence of an abnormal form of hemoglobin molecules in which the red blood cells loose their disc-shape and become crescent shaped. The shape also known as “hemoglobin S”. unlike normal red cells which are usually smooth and malleable, tend to collect after releasing oxygen, and cannot squeeze through small blood vessels. The organs are then deprived of blood and oxygen. The basic life-span of an affected cell is generally from 1.5 to about 3 weeks, which represents approximately 10% to 20% of a normal cell's life. Because they cannot be replaced fast enough, the blood is chronically short of red cells. This results in abnormal functioning and breakdown, causing episodes of re-occurring pain, discomfort, and damage to vital organs, causing Anemia. It is not contagious, nor can it be transmitted through contact. It can only be caught through birth, and must be inherited from both parents for the illness to occur in children. A child with only one copy of the gene may have sickle-cell traits but no symptoms of illness. Historically, Sickle Cell Anemia has only affected people who originate from areas of Africa, parts of India, the Mediterranean, South and Central America, the Caribbean, or descendants of these groups. About 2,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year in the United States. Symptoms of this condition include, severe pain, anemia, chest pain and difficulty breathing, strokes, joint or arthritis pain, bone infarctions, and blockage of blood flow in the spleen or liver. These are sometimes followed by severe infections, fatigue, paleness, rapid heart rate, shortness
Adams 2
of breath, yellowing of the eyes and skin. Younger children with sickle cell anemia have attacks of abdominal pain. Other symptoms may occur like painful and prolonged erections
Cited: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Division of Blood Disease and Resources, The Management of Sickle Cell Disease, No.02-2117, 1984, 1989, 1995, 1999, June 2002 (fourth Ed.) Platt, Allan F. Jr. P.A.-C, M.M.Sc., et al. J.E., L.H. Hope and Destiny; The patient Guide to Sickle- cell Disease and Sickle-cell Trait, Revised Third Edition. Hilton, 2011. Print. www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?article key=9368, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. www.nim.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000527.htm, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.