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WHAT
IS SICKLE CELL ANEMIA ?
Sickle Cell
anemia is a life-threatening, inherited disorder, that affects the
normal functioning of the red blood cells. The major function of
the red blood cell is the transportation of oxygen throughout the
body. Oxygen is carried by a protein known as hemoglobin.
The normal
red blood cell (picture)
is usually round, flexible and capable of passing through tiny
blood
vessels (diagram).
A sickle red blood cell (picture)
when deprived of oxygen, looses it's round flexible shape and become
elongated or crescent shaped, rigid and blocks blood vessels. Consequently,
blocked blood vessels (diagram)
leading to any organ or tissue will ultimately deprive that part
of the body of blood supply.
Tissues deprived
of a normal blood flow results in excruciating pain to the individual.
This condition, known as Sickle Cell Crisis, cause some of the complications
associated with sickle cell disorder. Quite often, the individual
will require hospitalization which could average about two weeks
or more. Currently, there are no cures for Sickle Cell Disorder
(SCD). Remember, Sickle Cell anemia is just one type of Sickle Cell
Disorder. Other known SCD is listed under Types.
[ Click here for diagram ]
Sickle
Cell? ~ Symptoms
~ Complications ~ Inheritance
~ Types ~ Tests
~ Geography ~ FAQ
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