Pages

Sunday, 8 June 2014

Effective Ways Of Preventing Sickle Cell Anemia

----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------

By Sally Delacruz


The sickle cell disease affects hemoglobin in the red blood cells and is genetically acquired. It comes with recurring pain and other health complications. These complications have a far reaching effect on the education, psychosocial and general life of patients who survive the first five years of childhood.

It is important to see a genetic counselor before a couple tries to conceive. Preventing sickle cell anemia is difficult after a child is born. The counselor helps you to understand the risks of giving birth to an affected child. He gives you the reproductive options available, preventive measures and possible treatment options.

A patient will live to adulthood if the condition is not too severe. Children born with a severe condition are unlucky and rarely celebrate their fifth birthday. Death results from complications related to the condition and an anemic attack. Early detection makes management easier for cases where preconception prevention measures were not taken. Those who survive beyond the five years have to live with numerous complications.

The social economic implications of sickle cell disease on the patient and family are huge. The crisis recurs over time and affects their lives and family to a great extent. It takes over resources and time especially where the support of health institutions and care givers is not reliable. The absence of medical support makes management difficult for such a family.

Management becomes crucial for patients since there is no known cure. Patients are under a lot of pain and require personalized attention to handle it. Some of the intervention measures available include rest, good nutrition, antibiotics and analgesics. Such a patient should be under folic acid supplement and take a lot of fluids.

Research is in progress to mainstream therapeutic agents used in some regions. These agents prevent and reduce the severity of attacks. Infant mortality and morbidity is reduced by neonatal screening. This needs to be combined with timely testing, parental education and comprehensive management.

Penicillin has provided a solution in treatment of infections that result from this condition. This option is not available to all families since it requires health-care infrastructure. The intervention of advocacy groups and government institutions is crucial. Early detection on the other hand enables access to professional care and proper management.

A multidisciplinary approach is taken to include teachers, parents, community heads and care givers in raising awareness. Data is also collected in order to monitor trends and advise populations accordingly. Genetic counseling and sickle cell screening points are effective in prevention in order to avoid management stages. These services will significantly reduce the number of children born with the disease.

The cost effectiveness of localized solution in pain management is proven. They do not require a lot of resources and are sustainable. Outreach and advocacy by health and social workers reduces chances of infected children. Early detection is the other option to facilitate professional management.

Couples intending to get married and bear children should consider family histories for traces of the disease. This can be ascertained during preconception counseling and screening. Detecting the condition early makes it easier to manage.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment