Causes of disease
According to Dr. Ranjith Kumar, consultant of pediatric blood cancer at the American Cancer Institute, based in Hyderabad (India), sickle blood cells is due to a change in the protein molecule of Hemoglobin, causing Red blood cells become hard, sticky and easily deformed.
In order for a child to get sick, both parents must bring sickle red blood cells and pass on to their children. And if only one of the two parents carry this gene, the children will have a sickle red blood cell instead of the disease.
Symptom
Recurrent pain syndrome.
Foot ulcer.
Stroke in youth.
Myocardial infarction in youth.
Bone pain, osteomyelitis.
Gallstones.
Prevention measures
Dr. Ranjith Kumar said that future parents need to conduct screening tests to determine the risk. If only one person carries the disease gene, pregnancy may continue normal. However, if both parents carry the disease gene, the risk of giving birth is 25%.
Dr. Ranjith Kumar also emphasized preventive measures such as:
Drink enough water.
Avoid being too hot or too cold, as this can stimulate the symptoms.
Adjust the living mode to avoid stress, excessive fatigue.
Avoid excessive physical activity, as they can pressure red blood cells.
Provides enough nutrients and vitamins, especially iron and folic acid, to maintain red blood cell health.
In addition, community awareness should be raised on sickle cell disease and perform newborn screening tests to detect disease early. Many countries have conducted a newborn screening test to help detect the disease right from the birth of a newborn, helping to prevent serious consequences from the disease.
