The agony of Sickle Cell Anemia

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body to nourish tissues and sustain life. When the cells are healthy they resemble small inner tubes. This unique shape allows the cells to serve many functions. The large surface area allows more oxygen to be absorbed, and enhances flexibility to squeeze when necessary through capillaries. Oxygen is carried within the red blood cells by hemoglobin. Sickle-cell disease is caused by a genetic defect in the hemoglobin molecules. The disease is triggered when red blood cells become deprived of oxygen, therefore resulting in sickle-shaped, rigid, and sticky blood cells that are unable to squeeze through capillaries. The blood flow is blocked, depriving tissues and organs of oxygen.

Effects and severity of the disease range vastly from patient to patient. The abnormal shape of the cell, causes water an

There are many complications that arrange from the anemia caused from the disease. Although the anemia may occasionally become severe and require transfusions, it is usually manageable. Chronic anemia, however, reduces oxygen and increases the demand on the heart to pump more oxygen-bearing blood through the body. The heart many times can become enlarged, with an increased risk for heart attack and heart failure.

Acute chest syndrome is a very dangerous component to the sickle-cell crises. “Blockage of blood vessels cut off oxygen to the bones and tissues in the chest and lungs” (Public). Bone injuries can cause severe pain. The airways in the lungs may narrow, resulting in severe reductions in oxygen delivery. By destruction of the chest area, it increases the likelihood of infectious agents over powering the body. Acute chest syndrome can be fatal if not treated properly. Other components to the sickle-cell crises are kidney failure, problems in the genital-urinary track, and liver malfunctions.

d potassium loss. This loss will later result in dehydration. Sickle cells also have a shorter life span than the normal red blood cells. The crescent shaped cells are destroyed many times so rapidly the body cannot keep up. The red blood cell count drops, which results in anemia. This rapid destroying process is what gave the disease its name.

Sickle-cell anemia is a tragic disease that takes over the body of i

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