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As World Sickle Cell Day is just a few days away, various global organisations are organising campaigns to raise public awareness about the disease. June 19th is celebrated as Sickle Cell Awareness Day every year globally to spread information about the blood disorder and highlight the challenges faced by people suffering from it, which has no cure.
In this blog, you will learn about this inherited blood disorder and the importance of celebrating World Sickle Cell Day.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a common term for inherited blood disorders affecting red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are flexible and round, which helps them move freely. In this disorder, a defective gene causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading them to stick together and restrict the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
Healthy RBCs have a lifespan of around 120 days, but sickle-shaped RBCs die within 10 to 20 days, causing a shortage of RBCs. As a result, people with this blood disorder may develop sickle cell anaemia or other health issues depending on the type of gene affected. The most common type of sickle cell disease is Sickle cell anaemia.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease
Symptoms of sickle cell disease start to appear in childhood and may vary as the patient grows. The following are some common symptoms of the disease:
- Anaemia causing fatigue
- Periodic episodes of extreme pain
- Swollen hands and feet
- Infections
- Slow growth
- Poor vision
- Jaundice
Can Sickle Cells be Cured?
There are multiple ways to manage sickle cell disease depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the disease.
Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
A bone marrow or stem cell transplant is a curative option for severe cases of sickle cell disease only. These procedures are hazardous and have potential side effects. Hence, they are used to treat children with severe sickle cell disease only because children are less likely to have complications after the transplant. The success rate of a bone marrow transplant depends on finding a genetically matching donor. This treatment is mostly used for children having complications like stroke due to severe sickle cell disease.
Gene Therapy
Another possible treatment is gene therapy, but it is still in development. Gene therapy can treat sickle cell disease by altering or replacing the DNA in the defective genes by modifying the patient’s stem cells only. It involves restoring a missing gene or adding a new gene to improve red blood cell quality. It is a good option for people who do not find a matching donor.
Blood Transfusions and Medicines
Blood transfusions and medicines are used to minimise the symptoms of sickle cell disease, such as pain and infections.
- Prescription medicines for pain
- Medicines to prevent blockage of blood flow
- Chemotherapy drug
- Medicines to prevent RBCs from binding together and forming a sickle shape.
World Sickle Cell Day: History, Theme and Importance
In December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 19th as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, identifying sickle cell disease as a global health issue. The resolution established this day to address a lack of awareness and improve healthcare access to people affected by the disease.
The theme for this year's World Sickle Cell Day is “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally.” World Sickle Cell Anaemia Day 2024 aims to unite the sickle cell community worldwide and make a difference in the lives of people living with the disease.
Celebrating Sickle Cell Disease Day provides an opportunity to
- To raise awareness about the disease and answer questions like Is sickle cell a lifetime disease?
- To advocate access to better healthcare services and resources to the patients of sickle cell disease.
- To provide support to the families and caregivers of the patients.
- To stimulate research and innovation for better diagnosis and management of the disease.
- To encourage screening initiatives for prevention of the disease and early treatment.
Conclusion
World Sickle Cell Day is an important reminder of the ongoing struggles and difficulties experienced by individuals with sickle cell disease. It also aims to raise awareness by addressing common questions like "Can sickle cell cause death?" and "Who is at risk of developing sickle cell disease?" These questions are crucial to address, particularly for individuals who have received a diagnosis but lack a comprehensive understanding of the condition and its impact on their physical well-being.
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>> Read More: Importance of Blood Donation
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
