Sickle cell anaemia is a genetically inherited blood disorder involving red blood cell production. In sickle cell disease, the body produces unusually shaped red blood cells that have a short lifespan.
There is no cure for this blood disease, and the only treatments available are those that can ease the symptoms and suffering of the patients with this illness. Painkillers and drugs that can prevent other complications from occurring are the only treatments available. However, these can help extend the lives of individuals with this illness.
Apart from anaemia, and severe body pain caused by the unhealthy red blood cells sticking together and blocking the small blood vessels of the body, there are other medical conditions linked to sickle cell disease. Some can be serious and life-threatening if not treated. Most complications are caused by abnormally shaped red blood cells, which is a classic characteristic of this disease.
Sufferers of sickle cell disease can go on to develop problems with their vision. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to blindness. Problems in the eyes can occur when the unusually shaped red blood cells do not flow through the tiny blood vessels in the body properly. Instead, they stick together, forming blockages, and this can happen in the eyes as well.
When this occurs in the eyes and, more especially, in the inner lining of the retina, vision problems and even sight loss are possible consequences. This is most likely to occur if the blockage in the retina leads to a retina detachment. Regular eye tests and checkups can prevent this from happening.
Since red blood cells travel around the entire body supplying it with oxygen and nutrients, it is not only in the blood vessels of the eyes where blockages can occur and cause problems. Sickle cells can also block the blood flow to areas of the brain, starving it of oxygen. These blood clots can lead to strokes.
There are numerous symptoms associated with a stroke, and they include weakness and numbness in the arms and legs. Speech problems and loss of consciousness can also occur. Strokes can be fatal, and this is why medical attention is urgently needed by stroke victims.
Sickle cells can also block the blood vessels of the lungs leading to acute chest syndrome. This condition can be fatal and produces symptoms similar to pneumonia. These include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and fever. Acute chest syndrome is a medical emergency that can cause respiratory failure and lung damage.
Splenic sequestration is a complication of sickle cell disease involving the spleen. It mostly affects children but not exclusively so. Again, because of the unusually shaped red blood cells that are not the natural shape they should be to allow them to flow freely through tiny blood vessels, sickle red blood cells instead stick to each other or block up these vessels. If this happens in the spleen, then it is known as splenic sequestration.
This can cause the spleen to become enlarged and painful, and it can also lead to even less oxygenated blood flowing around the body. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, swelling, fatigue, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, and a general feeling of malaise. Hospital treatment is usually needed for this condition.
Splenic sequestration can reoccur even though the spleen can heal itself after an attack. In some cases, medical professionals may recommend the removal of the spleen to prevent this condition from returning.
Other organs can compensate in infection-fighting if spleen removal is needed. However, these individuals are more susceptible to infections once the spleen has been removed.