What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects the way red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.
What causes sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, which affects the shape of red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?
Symptoms of sickle cell disease may include pain, fatigue, jaundice, delayed growth, and vision problems.
How is sickle cell disease diagnosed?
Sickle cell disease is diagnosed through a blood test that checks for abnormal hemoglobin.
What are some treatments for sickle cell disease?
Treatments may include pain management, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and medication.
How is sickle cell disease treated?
Sickle cell disease may be treated with blood transfusions, medication, and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
What is the life expectancy for sickle cell disease patients?
The life expectancy for sickle cell disease patients has increased in recent years, but may still be shorter than the general population.
What happens to red blood cells in sickle cell disease?
Red blood cells in sickle cell disease become misshapen and can get trapped in blood vessels, leading to pain and organ damage.
Is sickle cell disease contagious?
No, sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic disorder, not a contagious illness.
Can sickle cell disease be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for sickle cell disease, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How common is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease primarily affects people of African descent, but can also occur in people of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent. It is estimated that sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 Americans.
What medications are used to treat sickle cell disease?
Medications used to treat sickle cell disease may include hydroxyurea, antibiotics, and pain relievers.
What is hydroxyurea and how does it help treat sickle cell disease?
Hydroxyurea is a medication that can improve symptoms of sickle cell disease by increasing the production of fetal hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Is sickle cell disease painful?
Yes, sickle cell disease can cause episodes of severe pain, called sickle cell crises, which can last for hours or days.
Can sickle cell disease be prevented?
Since sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic disorder, it cannot be prevented. However, carriers of the gene can receive genetic counseling to assess their risk of passing on the disorder to their children.
What are the long-term complications of sickle cell disease?
Long-term complications of sickle cell disease may include organ damage, stroke, and infections.
How is sickle cell disease inherited?
Sickle cell disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means that a person must inherit two copies of the hemoglobin gene mutation (one from each parent) to develop the disorder.
What kind of doctor treats sickle cell disease?
Hematologists, who specialize in blood disorders, often treat sickle cell disease.
Can sickle cell disease affect pregnancy?
Yes, sickle cell disease can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
What is sickle cell trait?
Sickle cell trait is the presence of one copy of the sickle cell gene mutation, which does not cause sickle cell disease, but can be passed on to children.
Can sickle cell disease be fatal?
Yes, sickle cell disease can lead to life-threatening complications, especially if untreated or improperly managed.
What is sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell anemia is a type of sickle cell disease that affects the production of red blood cells.
What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
What is sickle cell crisis?
Sickle cell crisis is a term used to describe episodes of severe pain that can occur in people with sickle cell disease.
What is a bone marrow transplant and how can it help treat sickle cell disease?
A bone marrow transplant involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor, which can help treat sickle cell disease by producing normal red blood cells.
What is the prognosis for sickle cell disease?
The prognosis for sickle cell disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and how well it is managed with treatment.
Can people with sickle cell disease participate in physical activities?
Yes, people with sickle cell disease can participate in physical activities, but may need to take certain precautions and avoid activities that may trigger a sickle cell crisis.
What is the goal of treating sickle cell disease?
The goal of treating sickle cell disease is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
How can family members of sickle cell disease patients be tested for the disorder?
Family members of sickle cell disease patients can be tested for the disorder through a blood test that checks for the hemoglobin gene mutation.
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