Thursday, October 9, 2014

Info On Sickle Cell Charities For Kids

By Jocelyn Davidson


Sickle-cell anemia and sickle-cell disease, or SCA and SCD, are the medical terms for a hereditary blood disorder of humans. This disorder is marked by red blood cells with rigidness and abnormalities. They are shaped like sickles and this sickling reduces the flexibility of cells. In turn, people with this condition are at a higher risk of life-threatening conditions. The disorder is brought on by mutant genes producing abnormal and normal hemoglobin. The many sickle cell charities for kids are designed to raise money to help with research and treatments for those with this problem.

People who have this problem are known to live shorter lives. At one time, the age expectancy for men and women with this was under 50 years. There have been improvements in our knowledge and management of the disorder that have lengthened the life expectancy of people with SCD. Now people with this can live into the 70s and even beyond then if they take care of themselves.

The charitable organizations for kids strive to bring in funds to increase the number of medical studies done on this problem. They are also meant to bring new awareness to people. This includes providing sufferers, of all ages, with necessary education resources so they can know more about the condition and the best solutions for keeping it under control.

Complications can come of SCD. In fact, people that have this problem are also more likely to develop acute papillary necrosis, opiod intolerance, bacterial infections, cholelithiasis, stroke, leg ulcers, osteomyelitis and have a lowered immune system response. Many of these issues can be prevented or healed with proper care and the right lifestyle. There are numerous options for care when it comes to this disorder, such as bone marrow transplants, hydroxyurea and transfusion therapy.

Charities can put the donations they are given toward many different benefits and programs. Usually, they are focused on supporting medical research, providing the public information, advocacy, and professional education. It is essential to look into all of the charities to guarantee that the money is going to the correct source. Most charities share the desire to find a cure for this disease that is inherited.

An autopsy from the 1800s is the first known recording of this condition in humans. During the 1900s, it was seen more often in people in many different regions of the world. Today, this condition affects all types of people but is most commonly seen amongst those originating from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, as well as East India and Africa.

Diagnosis is done at birth with a blood test that is commonly done for newborn screening. Kids that test positive will be given a follow-up test, known as hemoglobin electrophoresis, to confirm the diagnosis. People with the disease are prone to infections and medical complications. This is why diagnosis and management are important early on.

Children should be monitored and given care by a doctor and hematologist for this condition. Special clinics that handle sickle-cell patients only are in operation. Education about this disorder is essential for kids as they grow older and begin to understand more. Charities fight to give people with the condition the best life they can have and helpful resources, and still earn money to put toward identifying a cure.




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