The sickle cell syndrome or condition is a disease that is common among people who have been exposed for centuries to falciparum malaria, such as those from Africa, Southeast Asia (including India), the Mediterranean area and parts of the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia. About 25% of Africans are said to have some form of this condition. It is caused by abnormal haemoglobin that a person inherits from both parents. Haemoglobin is the red clothing material of our Blood Cells that carries oxygen to all parts of our bodies. While the cells of a sufferer are hard, sticky and shaped like sickles, normal Red Blood Cells are round in shape.
Depending on the age and special circumstances that are unique to each sufferer, the present methods of treatment under expert medical supervision and advice include blood transfusions (for preventing recurrent strokes in children), bone marrow transplants (for children with severe sickle cell disease), use of iron supplements, daily intake of the vitamin called folic acid (folate) to help make new red blood cells, and daily administration of penicillin until age six to prevent serious infections.
The following lifestyle changes are suggested for individuals suffering from sickle cell syndrome:
1. Have good levels of nutrition in the diet.
2. Avoid thirst and dehydration by drinking ample amounts of water - about 4 litres or 12 glasses daily for adults. This makes the blood less viscous (i.e. less sticky, dense or thick), so that nutrients and oxygen are more easily carried to all parts of the body.
3. Avoid dehydrating substances such as spices, alcohol, soft drinks (sodas), beverages with caffeine and other slow poisons.
4. Avoid altitudes that are greater than 12,000 feet, such as cities located on high mountains or rides in cable cars at these heights. Oxygen levels at these heights are very low and persons with sickle cell disease or trait can suffer some complications. This precaution does not apply to travel in commercial jet planes whose cabins get pressurized and are provided with adequate oxygen levels to make the passengers as comfortable as they would be at sea level.
5. Avoid overexertion and stress by being intelligent about the levels to which one physically exerts himself/herself in dancing or any other physical activity. For example, a person with this syndrome should not be involved in mountain climbing, competitive sports, etc. if he/she has to climb a flight of stairs they should move a bit more slowly, breathe more deeply and regularly take some rest along the way, as and when fatigue shows up.
6. Avoid extremes of temperatures, such as conditions that are very hot or very cold.
7. Avoid stressful situations or find a healthy way of managing them.
8. Lead a healthy life that reduces incidences of ill-health. This reduces two types of stress: one from the disease condition and the other from taking chemically synthesized medications.
9. Get plenty of rest.
10. Have regular check-ups from excellent health facilities.
[email protected],
[email protected]
+234-8037108507
(Text Messages; WhatsApp)
+234-8125074686 (Calls)
Depending on the age and special circumstances that are unique to each sufferer, the present methods of treatment under expert medical supervision and advice include blood transfusions (for preventing recurrent strokes in children), bone marrow transplants (for children with severe sickle cell disease), use of iron supplements, daily intake of the vitamin called folic acid (folate) to help make new red blood cells, and daily administration of penicillin until age six to prevent serious infections.
The following lifestyle changes are suggested for individuals suffering from sickle cell syndrome:
1. Have good levels of nutrition in the diet.
2. Avoid thirst and dehydration by drinking ample amounts of water - about 4 litres or 12 glasses daily for adults. This makes the blood less viscous (i.e. less sticky, dense or thick), so that nutrients and oxygen are more easily carried to all parts of the body.
3. Avoid dehydrating substances such as spices, alcohol, soft drinks (sodas), beverages with caffeine and other slow poisons.
4. Avoid altitudes that are greater than 12,000 feet, such as cities located on high mountains or rides in cable cars at these heights. Oxygen levels at these heights are very low and persons with sickle cell disease or trait can suffer some complications. This precaution does not apply to travel in commercial jet planes whose cabins get pressurized and are provided with adequate oxygen levels to make the passengers as comfortable as they would be at sea level.
5. Avoid overexertion and stress by being intelligent about the levels to which one physically exerts himself/herself in dancing or any other physical activity. For example, a person with this syndrome should not be involved in mountain climbing, competitive sports, etc. if he/she has to climb a flight of stairs they should move a bit more slowly, breathe more deeply and regularly take some rest along the way, as and when fatigue shows up.
6. Avoid extremes of temperatures, such as conditions that are very hot or very cold.
7. Avoid stressful situations or find a healthy way of managing them.
8. Lead a healthy life that reduces incidences of ill-health. This reduces two types of stress: one from the disease condition and the other from taking chemically synthesized medications.
9. Get plenty of rest.
10. Have regular check-ups from excellent health facilities.
[email protected],
[email protected]
+234-8037108507
(Text Messages; WhatsApp)
+234-8125074686 (Calls)
