The sickle cell disease affects hemoglobin in the red blood cells and is genetically acquired. It comes with recurring pain and other health complications. These complications have a far reaching effect on the education, psychosocial and general life of patients who survive the first five years of childhood.
It is important to see a genetic counselor before a couple tries to conceive. Preventing sickle cell anemia is difficult after a child is born. The counselor helps you to understand the risks of giving birth to an affected child. He gives you the reproductive options available, preventive measures and possible treatment options.
There are different levels of severity which determine the lifespan of a patient. Children with extreme conditions or the most severe of them do not live beyond their fifth birthday. Their death is caused by related infections or a severe case of anemia. The disease makes the survivor extremely vulnerable and has to live with numerous complications.
Children with sickle cell disease and their families are under a lot of stress and social economic pressure. Recurrent crisis interferes with their lives to the extent of overtaking any other concern. Support from health departments and institutions is necessary in managing such patients. It helps the care givers to relax and concentrate on basic needs other than medical concerns.
The absence of known cure makes management of the condition the only option. Personal attention must be given to manage the complications and help the patient in dealing with the pain. Such a patient requires a lot of rest, good nutrition, analgesics and antibiotics. They also require fluids and folic acid to support their health.
Therapeutic remedies have been found in some regions but they are subject to research and analysis. The agents have shown the ability to reduce severity of attack. Neonatal screening has been used to reduce infant mortality and morbidity. This approach is effective when administered alongside parental education, timely testing and comprehensive management.
Penicillin has provided a solution in treatment of infections that result from this condition. This option is not available to all families since it requires health-care infrastructure. The intervention of advocacy groups and government institutions is crucial. Early detection on the other hand enables access to professional care and proper management.
A multidisciplinary approach is taken to include teachers, parents, community heads and care givers in raising awareness. Data is also collected in order to monitor trends and advise populations accordingly. Genetic counseling and sickle cell screening points are effective in prevention in order to avoid management stages. These services will significantly reduce the number of children born with the disease.
Unavailability of resources requires that simple and cost effective technology be used in management of related conditions. Health and social workers are crucial in reducing the number of sick children. Expensive programs have proven unsustainable and therefore unreliable. This calls for a different approach which involves counseling and social advocacy.
Family disease histories are crucial in reducing the number of infected births. It is not always possible to have genetic screening in all areas or before conception. Creating awareness and early detection are effective strategies in management and handling of the disease.
It is important to see a genetic counselor before a couple tries to conceive. Preventing sickle cell anemia is difficult after a child is born. The counselor helps you to understand the risks of giving birth to an affected child. He gives you the reproductive options available, preventive measures and possible treatment options.
There are different levels of severity which determine the lifespan of a patient. Children with extreme conditions or the most severe of them do not live beyond their fifth birthday. Their death is caused by related infections or a severe case of anemia. The disease makes the survivor extremely vulnerable and has to live with numerous complications.
Children with sickle cell disease and their families are under a lot of stress and social economic pressure. Recurrent crisis interferes with their lives to the extent of overtaking any other concern. Support from health departments and institutions is necessary in managing such patients. It helps the care givers to relax and concentrate on basic needs other than medical concerns.
The absence of known cure makes management of the condition the only option. Personal attention must be given to manage the complications and help the patient in dealing with the pain. Such a patient requires a lot of rest, good nutrition, analgesics and antibiotics. They also require fluids and folic acid to support their health.
Therapeutic remedies have been found in some regions but they are subject to research and analysis. The agents have shown the ability to reduce severity of attack. Neonatal screening has been used to reduce infant mortality and morbidity. This approach is effective when administered alongside parental education, timely testing and comprehensive management.
Penicillin has provided a solution in treatment of infections that result from this condition. This option is not available to all families since it requires health-care infrastructure. The intervention of advocacy groups and government institutions is crucial. Early detection on the other hand enables access to professional care and proper management.
A multidisciplinary approach is taken to include teachers, parents, community heads and care givers in raising awareness. Data is also collected in order to monitor trends and advise populations accordingly. Genetic counseling and sickle cell screening points are effective in prevention in order to avoid management stages. These services will significantly reduce the number of children born with the disease.
Unavailability of resources requires that simple and cost effective technology be used in management of related conditions. Health and social workers are crucial in reducing the number of sick children. Expensive programs have proven unsustainable and therefore unreliable. This calls for a different approach which involves counseling and social advocacy.
Family disease histories are crucial in reducing the number of infected births. It is not always possible to have genetic screening in all areas or before conception. Creating awareness and early detection are effective strategies in management and handling of the disease.
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