SICKLE CELL DISEASE MANAGEMENT.

Management of sickle cell disease involves diagnosis, treatment and keeping records of symptoms, acute and chronic complications of sickle cell.

Sickle cell disease is a group of blood disorders inherited from both parents who carry the sickle cell trait. Sickle cell results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin found in the red blood cell which results in them being rigid or like a crescent moon. Due to the shape of the red blood, they easily get stuck in small blood vessels, slowing and blocking blood flow to parts of the body causing excruciating pain in different parts of the body. Signs, symptoms and complications of sickle cell involves anemia, episodes of pain, swelling of hands and feet, infections, stroke, acute chest syndrome, priapism, gallstones and more.

Sickle cell is a chronic disease meaning it requires close monitor to minimize the symptoms and complication effects it has on the patient. Sickle cell management has shown to reduce the number of complications and fatalities in people living with sickle cell disease. So it’s extremely important for warriors and caregivers to be fully educated about sickle cell, what triggers the symptoms and how to avoid what can cause the flare-ups of the symptoms and complications in sickle cell.

SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT.

Self-care management is important in warriors and caregivers as it helps lessen the symptoms of sickle cell and pain crisis. Self-care involves knowing the triggers, what medications to take, how best to avoid flare-ups and how to manage the pain. The following are some of the self-care management.

STAYING WARM.

It’s important for sickle cell patients to keep warm, putting on warm clothes covering the legs, hands, and chest helps the blood vessels not to constrict, allowing blood flow.

HYDRATION.

Keeping hydrated always and taking at least 8 glass of water a day helps unclog red blood cells.

NUTRITION.

People in sickle cell require more nutrients because they are used quicker, a good balanced diet rich in vegetables, proteins, vitamins, minerals and all-grains will help cater for the required demand promoting growth and development.

ENOUGH REST AND AVOID STRESS.

Avoiding stress and getting enough rest will help reduce frequent attacks.

REGULAR CHECK-UPS.

Regular check-ups are vital in managing sickle cell as it gives doctors information on how the body, organs and systems are working and if at all sickle cell is doing any damage to the organs or not. Regular check-ups allows doctors to see how the heart, lungs, kidneys, livers, brain for strokes and many more are functioning as sickle cell affects most of the organs. Early detection of any abnormalities can help reduce further damage.

TREATMENT PLAN.

Treatment can help relieve symptoms, lessen complications and prolong life in sickle cell patients. Having a good treatment plan is a must. Treatment include;

Routine medications like Folic Acid, nutritional supplements, antimalarial drugs and others depending on the treatment plan.

Antibiotics to prevent infections in younger children.

Over the counter pain medication like Tylenol and Ibuprofen for mild and moderate pain.

Hydroxyurea, this medication has shown to reduce or prevent many complications of sickle cell. It increases hemoglobin.

Vaccinations to prevent infections.

Blood transfusion for anemia, stroke and other complications.

There are other treatment to help with sickle cell complications, it’s important to discuss other options with your haematologist.

Management in sickle cell is very important in treatment and reduction of sickle cell complications. With a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups and good treatment plan, warriors can live a relatively good and productive life. Therefore it’s important for warriors and caregivers to have sickle cell education.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355882