Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the world, affecting over 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide. The disease affects people of all races, but most commonly people who are Black, Hispanic, or of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Indian backgrounds.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to change from being round and flexible to stiff, sticky and sickle-shaped. These cells can’t travel through blood vessels well and break down quickly.
The most common problems associated with sickle cell disease include anemia and blockage of the flow of blood in the tissues. It can cause swelling, pain and other complications. Over time, because of sickling of the red blood cells, patients can also develop chronic organ damage to almost any organ. Bone, kidney, lung and spleen are the most common sites of chronic damage.
Managing Sickle Cell Disease
Managing sickle cell disease usually requires life-long treatment. These treatments may include transfusions, medications and pain management. Children with the disease may need preventive therapy such as prophylactic antibiotics, immunizations and screening for stroke risk and other known complications.
Advancements in the management of sickle cell disease continue to develop. Your health care provider can discuss options that are most appropriate for you.
While you may not be able to control how sickle cell disease affects you entirely, these things may help with managing symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep.
- Get your flu shot and all other recommended immunizations.
- Take all your medication as prescribed.
Additionally, see a physician who specializes in treating sickle cell disease. ProMedica offers quality sickle cell disease care options close to home, for patients of every age.
Sickle Cell Clinics
ProMedica offers both adult and pediatric sickle cell clinics. Both clinics are designed to help coordinate and manage the care of sickle cell patients by using a multi-disciplinary approach.
ProMedica Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic
At the ProMedica Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic, children receive comprehensive care, preventive therapy such as prophylactic antibiotics and immunizations, and important screening for stroke risk and other known complications. They also have access to treatment, such as hydroxyurea and other new treatment options for sickle cell disease.
ProMedica Adult Sickle Cell Clinc
The ProMedica Adult Sickle Cell Clinic is one of the few adult-only sickle cell clinics in the country.
More than 95% of children survive to adulthood in the United States, but because of a host of factors including poor transition, disease complications and lack of comprehensive care, adolescent and young adult patients living with sickle cell disease have some of the highest mortality rates of any group with sickle cell disease.
ProMedica is working to change that statistic by providing comprehensive treatment including transfusions, pain management and exemplary care for adults at the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic.
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