Special Needs - Sickle Cell

This is a blood disorder where there is an abnormality inside the red blood cells of the patient, making the cell become rigid and deformed - looking like a sickle, these cells are not able to carry enough oxygen to the body, and they die early, causing a shortage in red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are flexible, with a shape like a doughnut, and are able to pass through the veins and arteries of a person. However, the shape and rigid form of the sickled-shaped blood cells of a patient causes blockages and preventing free blood flow.




Who Does Sickle Cell Affect?

Sickle cell anemia is inherited from parents who carry the abnormal genes, the patient gets one of these genes from his/her father and one from his/her mother. If only one parent carries this abnormal gene, then there is a chance that the child will also become a carrier. To know if a person has sickle cell, or is a carrier, a blood test is usually carried out. 80% of sickle cell cases occur in Africa, a report by WHO estimated that around 2% of newborns in Nigeria were affected by sickle cell, making a total of 150,000 affected children born every year in Nigeria alone.

Symptoms

Patients with sickle cell anemia usually face attacks that are known to be caused by stress, dehydration, a change in temperature and being in areas of high altitude. Symptoms include:

  • Attacks of pain (also called a crisis)
  • Anemia (low blood)
  • Swelling in the hands and feet
  • Bacterial infections
  • Stroke
Complications that can arise from this include chronic pain.

Treatment

Sickle Cell is managed through preventing and treating causes and symptoms of the disease, this include:
  • Vaccination to prevent diseases
  • Pain medications
  • Preventing malaria
  • Antibiotics to treat infections
  • Taking lots of fluids
  • Taking Folic Acid supplements
  • Blood transfusions 
  • Bone marrow transplant
Basically, the prevention of new cases is encouraged by premarital testing, counseling and education.




World Sickle Cell Day

Organized by the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, and the pain that people go throughout their life. It was first celebrated on 19th June, 2009.

We produced Natural Soap Bars in honor of those struggling with the sickle cell anemia. Support them by sponsoring 1 or 2 bars, we will donate the soap bars to them on your behalf.

Natrue's Finest from Africa's Best.

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