What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder occurs when an individual inherits two abnormal hemoglobin genes (HbS), one from each parent. This leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to sickle and break down.
Types of Sickle Cell Disease
- Sickle Cell Anemia (HbSS)- Sickle Hemoglobin-C Disease (HbSC)
- Sickle Beta-Plus Thalassemia (HbS/β+)
- Sickle Beta-Zero Thalassemia (HbS/β0)
Symptoms
- Pain episodes
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Infections
- AnemiaLiving with Sickle Cell
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Limited physical activity
- Emotional and psychological stress
- Social and economic impacts
- Prenatal testing: Determine if the fetus is affected
- Family planning: Make informed decisions about reproduction
- Improve access to diagnosis and treatment
- Promote genetic counseling
- Seek genetic counseling if you're a carrier
- Support organizations working to combat sickle cell disease
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Infections
- Anemia
Living with Sickle Cell
Individuals with sickle cell disease face various challenges, including:
- Frequent hospitalizations- Limited physical activity
- Emotional and psychological stress
- Social and economic impacts
Prevention To reduce the risk of having a child with sickle cell disease:
- Genetic counseling: Couples can undergo testing to determine their genotype
- Screening: Identify carriers (HbAS) and provide guidance- Prenatal testing: Determine if the fetus is affected
- Family planning: Make informed decisions about reproduction
Nigerian Context: in Nigeria, sickle cell disease is a significant health issue. The government and organizations are working to:
- Raise awareness- Improve access to diagnosis and treatment
- Promote genetic counseling
What You Can Do
- Get tested to know your genotype- Seek genetic counseling if you're a carrier
- Support organizations working to combat sickle cell disease

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