Prevention of Sickle Cell Anemia

Prevention of Sickle Cell Anemia

Although there exists an array of treatment methods of SCD with new and futuristic ones being established, prevention of the same creates the best health intervention for the disease. Parents and other caregivers are advised to carefully monitor the healthy development of their young ones as the disease mainly manifests itself in young ages about six months, although HbS is present during birth. Once the symptoms begin to manifest, various prevention measures should be observed, as discussed.

Patients should increase the level of water intake, especially when undertaking a physically demanding activity. Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of SCD. Patients should also avoid being in extremely cold or hot climates. Hot weather increases dehydration while cold one demands increased oxygen in the blood to reduce complicating the symptoms of the disease. Patients should also consider exercising regularly as it helps improve blood circulation. Importantly, however, patients should not overdo the physical exercises as it would increase dehydration risking the complication of their conditions. Other methods include taking folic supplements and fruits containing vitamins regularly as soon as the symptoms begin to show. Folic supplements and vitamins play a crucial role in the manufacturing of red blood cells in the bone marrow (Ohemeng, Agartha, and Isaac Boadu 2302). Patients should also stay away from smoking since it impacts the lungs, and the maximum oxygen absorbed negatively. Smoking is also associated with increased pain crises among patients with SCD. Patients should also be vaccinated against sickle cell at a young age. Adults and other sick populations are also advised on the essence of vaccination against the disease. Other crucial vaccination measures for sickle cell patients includes against pneumonia and meningitis. Patients that observe such prevention measures often reduce the chances of SCD complications.