SICKLE CELL

SICKLE CELL IS AN INHERITED CONDITION

• You need to have two altered hemoglobin genes, one from each parent
• According to the "the New York Times" it affects people of Indian, middle eastern, Hispanic, and Mediterranean heritages

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BLOOD FILTERING SYSTEM

• It affects the liver and spleen.
• These important organs are responsible for filtering, storing and renewing blood.
• In the spleen, a complication called sequestration happens when sickle cells clump inside the spleen.
• Causes a build up of bilirubin
• Jaundice in the body

VASCULAR SYSTEM

• This system transports blood to every cell of the body
• Causes pain and swelling in the fingers, hands and limbs of the body
• An interruption or reduced flow of oxygen and blood to the brain can cause severe complications
• Stroke (livestrong.com)

IMMUNE SYSTEM

• Sickle cell blocks blood flow and decrease the ability to deliver oxygen,a swell as germ-fighting immune cells.
• Infections/illness
• Skin ulcers
• Slowed healing time
• The spleen is a important immune system organ, and damage/removal to the spleen can increase the risk of infection in the body.

TREATMENT

• Taking a daily antibiotic
• Drink plenty of water
• Blood transfusion
• Avoid triggers such as getting a cold, hard exercise, fever and infections.
• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.