Sickle cell disease is seen increasing rapidly globally, it is a disease affecting the blood. Due to this disease, the level of hemoglobin within the blood cells starts getting affected. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary blood disorder. The amount of hemoglobin in the blood vessels is important, with the help of which oxygen is circulated throughout your body. People suffering from SCD may be at risk of many types of health problems.
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is celebrated on 19 June with the aim of making people aware about sickle cell disease. Health experts say that it is important for everyone to know about this disease.
SCD causes the shape of the blood cell to change to crescent and it makes the cells rigid. Additionally, sickle-shaped cells do not last as long as normal-shaped red blood cells, causing a constant deficiency of red blood cells in the patient. Let us know about this disease in detail.
What is the difference between anemia and sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell disease is an umbrella term used for several different types of sickle cell disorders. The severe condition of SCD is known as sickle cell anemia. Researchers estimate that sickle cell disease affects about one lakh Americans. The risk of this disease is also being seen in India.
Sickle cell anemia is at the top among the health problems whose burden has been seen the most in rural and tribal areas of India.
National sickle cell anemia elimination target by 2047
In view of the increasing risks of sickle cell disease, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had set a target to eradicate this disease from India by the year 2047 during the Budget 2023 speech. In July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission 2047 from a program organized in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh.
Why does sickle cell disease occur?
The main cause of sickle cell disease is a genetic mutation in the HBB gene, which is responsible for making a large portion of hemoglobin. Some children may inherit the disease from their parents. Symptoms of sickle cell disease appear at the age of 5 to 6 months. The symptoms of SCD vary from person to person. Sickle cell disease can affect many parts of your body.
Prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease cannot be prevented because it is a genetic condition. If you are pregnant, genetic testing can help determine your risk. Children diagnosed with the disease may need blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and gene therapy along with medications as treatment.
(PC: ISTOCK)
