Sickle cell anaemia - causes, symptoms & natural treatment approaches

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the red blood cells take on an abnormal shape.

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Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the red blood cells take on an abnormal shape.

Normally, red blood cells are round and flexible so that they can move easily through the blood vessels. In sickle cell anaemia, however, the red blood cells deform into a sickle-shaped form that is less elastic. These altered cells can block the blood vessels, leading to numerous health problems.

Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene, which is responsible for the formation of the protein haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. In people with sickle cell anaemia, haemoglobin is abnormal, deforming the cells and affecting their ability to transport oxygen. The deformed cells have a shorter lifespan than normal red blood cells, leading to anaemia (anaemia) as the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. Inheritance is autosomal recessive, meaning that a person can only develop the disease if they inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent. If a person has only one copy of the mutated gene, they are a carrier of the disease but do not develop symptoms.

Symptoms include recurrent pain, fatigue, pale skin, difficulty breathing and an increased susceptibility to infections. Sickle cell crises are acute episodes of pain caused by the blockage of blood vessels and the low oxygen supply to the tissue. These attacks can occur in various parts of the body, including the bones, chest and abdomen. In addition, complications such as organ damage, stroke, kidney failure and shortened life expectancy can occur.

Treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and preventing complications. A common form of therapy is the administration of painkillers to treat the painful episodes and the introduction of fluids and oxygen to improve blood circulation. In some cases, blood transfusions are performed to compensate for the lack of red blood cells. Hydroxyurea, a drug that reduces the formation of abnormal haemoglobin, can also be used to reduce the frequency of painful episodes and the risk of complications. In severe cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be considered, which may provide a cure for sickle cell disease. In addition, nutrients such as folic acid may be important as it supports the formation of new blood cells. An adequate supply of vitamin B12 and iron may also be required to meet the body's needs, especially in cases of anaemia.