| Sickle cell anemia is a lifelong, chronic disease that | | | | this 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 symptoms | | | | non-narcotic pain medications. However, acute pain |
| but periodic painful attacks. It can also weaken | | | | may require use of narcotic drugs to help control |
| the immune system and cause other | | | | it. These are valuable in lessening symptoms and |
| complications such as strokes. People with sickle | | | | leading a more comfortable life, but they can be |
| cell anemia also typically have a shortened life | | | | addictive. |
| span. There is no cure for this disease but | | | | It 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 a | | | | diet, a regular exercise routine should be |
| medical profession if symptoms of this disease | | | | implemented. Relaxation techniques such as |
| are present. Even if a person is not currently | | | | meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are |
| experiencing pain or symptoms, continual | | | | helpful to reduce stress and can also be used as |
| treatment is necessary. Treatment will help | | | | pain relief. Ensure adequate bed rest and a good |
| reduce the frequency of episodes and delay the | | | | night's sleep. |
| time in between them. Children with this disease | | | | Blood transfusions are often implemented to |
| are often hospitalized and given intravenous | | | | increase the quantity of normal red blood cells. |
| antibiotics. These help prevent bacterial infections | | | | These treatments can be performed regularly |
| commonly seen in children. They also generally | | | | with low risk. In more extreme cases a bone |
| continue to take oral antibiotics until they are five | | | | marrow transplant may be recommended. |
| years old. | | | | However, this is rarely used due to the high risk |
| Advances in science are producing newer drugs | | | | and low probability of finding a suitable donor. |
| to help combat symptoms, but the drug | | | | Continual 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 may | | | | Although this disease generally lowers life |
| increase the risk of acquiring leukemia but no | | | | expectancy, with proper treatment most people |
| concrete evidence to this effect is yet to be | | | | suffering from this disease can lead full lives. Over |
| shown. There are also common side effects to | | | | the 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 with | | | | sickle cell anemia. |