September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell anemia (SSA) is an inherited disorder where red blood cells have a tendency to form sickles (i.e., crescent or moon-shaped) instead of round, smooth cells.
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell anemia (SSA) is an inherited disorder where red blood cells have a tendency to form sickles (i.e., crescent or moon-shaped) instead of round, smooth cells. The reason for this is a genetic abnormality in hemoglobin, which is the oxygen carrier in the red blood cell. This abnormality causes the shape of the red blood cell to change into sickles. Problems arise in people with SSA when too many sickle cells form and block the blood flow to vital organs. This can lead to organ failure and episodes of intense pain—or what doctors call, a sickle cell crisis. Recently, a parent asked me how she could help her son prevent sickle cell crises from occurring. Here are some general measures to prevent sickle cell crisis: 1. Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps reduce the chance that sickle cells will form. 2. Avoid temperature extremes. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can cause more sickle cells to form. 3. Take folic acid supplements daily, and eat a balanced diet. Bone marrow needs folic acid and other vitamins to make new red blood cells. The more normal red blood cells the lower the risk of a sickle crisis. Clear any supplements with your doctor since one size does not fit all. 4. Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it. Talk with your doctor about the kind of exercise and how much exercise is right for you. Extreme exhaustion can cause a crisis. 5. Reduce stress. Easier said than done at times, but this is important nonetheless. A sickle crisis can occur as a result of too much stress. 6. Be careful with over-the-counter medications. Some medications, such as the decongestant pseudoephedrine, can constrict your blood vessels and make it harder for the sickle cells to move through freely. This can cause organ and blood vessel damage. 7. Fly on airplanes with pressurized cabins. Unpressurized aircraft cabins may not provide enough oxygen. Low oxygen levels can trigger a sickle crisis. Also, drink extra water when flying. Sometimes pressurized cabins can be dehydrating. Here’s to Mastering Your Health.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender Dave Montgomery, MD, PhD is Senior Fellow in Cardiology at Northwestern University and a sought after Speaker and Health Coach. https://davemontgomerymd.com
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