How Is Sickle Cell Anemia Treated?

Sickle cell anemia is a lifelong, chronic disease thatthis disease. Those experiencing mild, short lived
affects over 72,000 people in the United States.episodes may be prescribed a variety of
In most cases, there are not continual symptomsnon-narcotic pain medications. However, acute pain
but periodic painful attacks. It can also weakenmay require use of narcotic drugs to help control
the immune system and cause otherit. These are valuable in lessening symptoms and
complications such as strokes. People with sickleleading a more comfortable life, but they can be
cell anemia also typically have a shortened lifeaddictive.
span. There is no cure for this disease butIt is also important to maintain health with proper
treatment options are available.diet and exercise. In addition to a well balanced
It is essential to seek a consultation with adiet, a regular exercise routine should be
medical profession if symptoms of this diseaseimplemented. Relaxation techniques such as
are present. Even if a person is not currentlymeditation, yoga and breathing exercises are
experiencing pain or symptoms, continualhelpful to reduce stress and can also be used as
treatment is necessary. Treatment will helppain relief. Ensure adequate bed rest and a good
reduce the frequency of episodes and delay thenight's sleep.
time in between them. Children with this diseaseBlood transfusions are often implemented to
are often hospitalized and given intravenousincrease the quantity of normal red blood cells.
antibiotics. These help prevent bacterial infectionsThese treatments can be performed regularly
commonly seen in children. They also generallywith low risk. In more extreme cases a bone
continue to take oral antibiotics until they are fivemarrow transplant may be recommended.
years old.However, this is rarely used due to the high risk
Advances in science are producing newer drugsand low probability of finding a suitable donor.
to help combat symptoms, but the drugContinual treatment and monitoring of this disease
hydroxyurea is the most commonly prescribed.is essential in keeping complications at bay.
There have been indications that this drug mayAlthough this disease generally lowers life
increase the risk of acquiring leukemia but noexpectancy, with proper treatment most people
concrete evidence to this effect is yet to besuffering from this disease can lead full lives. Over
shown. There are also common side effects tothe past thirty years, there has been an increase
this drug such as painful urination and back pain.in the life expectancy for people suffering from
Treatment for pain is necessary for people withsickle cell anemia.