Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder, diagnosed by an abnormal hemoglobin count that leads to a low production of red blood cells. Typically, the disorder has been widely diagnosed in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. SCD among children is a major health concern, impacting the overall growth and immunity systems of the children. The following section of this article intends to spread awareness among people about SCD in kids. Let’s unveil some crucial children sickle cell disease facts to decode the magnitude of health concerns among children due to this particular disease.
Quick Facts on Children’s Sickle Cell Disease
Understanding a widespread disease like SCD among children is important to give better care to those who are affected. There is no permanent cure, though regular medical checkups and some medical procedures or therapies can curb the risks of the disorder to a large extent. Learn some crucial facts in the following section.
1. Most Common Genetic Blood Disorder
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic blood disorders that occur when children receive a sickle cell trait from both parents. A survey published by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention states that more than 100,000 people in the USA are affected by this disease. More than a million people are the victims of this disease, when it comes to estimating the number across the globe. The largest numbers of victims have been noted in the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Africa.
2. Prevailing Disease Among Many Races
Children’s sickle cell disease is a prevalent disorder among many races across the world. Commonly, African Americans are the biggest victims of the disease. However, it does not mean other races are immune to the disorder. According to a report, one in 1200 Hispanic Americans becomes a victim of the disease. Undergoing a screening test for SCD is highly recommended. The earlier a person is diagnosed, the better therapies can be administered to manage the disorder.
3. Specialized Blood Test to Diagnose the Disease
Children’s sickle cell disease diagnosis requires a specialized blood test, which is essential to confirm the sickle cell trait among humans. After collecting the blood sample, the experts at the laboratories inspect the types of hemoglobin your body produces. Nevertheless, it also takes the overall hemoglobin count into consideration to assess a low or high hemoglobin level. The probability of being diagnosed with sickle cell disorder is high when the hemoglobin count is abysmally low, similar to anemia. The shape of red blood cells becomes similar to sickles. Therefore, no prize for guessing how the name of the disease came into being.
4. Breathing Issues Are Common Symptoms
When it comes to the common physical symptoms of the sickle cell disorder among children and adults, occasional breathing trouble has been noted as a common aftermath. Besides asthma, children suffering from this disease may also undergo physical conditions such as sleeping disorders, recurrent pneumonia, and many. Sickle cell anemia is also a prevalent symptom, and a person diagnosed with this disease would experience all symptoms of anemia.
5. Four Medications for Sickle Cell Disease
The primary treatment for SCD is Hydroxyurea, which can efficiently reduce the complications that appear due to the disease. Moreover, it also reduces mortality in people with sickle cell disease. On the other hand, IV medication like Crizanlizumab can help in effective pain management. L-glutamine, an alternative to this medication, can also reduce the pain among the victims. Voxelotor, an oral medicine, is often prescribed by doctors to increase hemoglobin count. Apart from these, blood transfusion therapy is also a popular medical procedure to manage sickle cell disease.
Wrapping up
So, these are some of the basic, yet crucial, children’s sickle cell disease facts that everyone should know. Understanding the disease is important to help someone affected by it. Moreover, a basic awareness of such a widespread disorder among children and adults is crucial. Spreading awareness can fetch more volunteers, who can donate blood for those who are suffering from the disorder.
Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation aims to engage, educate, and empower families of the victims of SCD. We encourage people to donate blood and become volunteers to raise funds for the treatment of the children affected by these diseases. Life is hard for such victims – our collective empathy can help them to live better.
