Question

Write a brief note on Sickle cell anaemia: symptoms and treatment. <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> [Textbook question 5c pg no.193]

Answer 1

Answer

• Sickle-cell anaemia is a hereditary disease caused due to mutation in a single gene. It is a monogenic disorder.
• Normal haemoglobin has glutamic acid as the 6th amino acid in its molecular structure. However, if it is replaced by valine, the shape/structure of the haemoglobin molecule, changes.
• Due to this, the erythrocytes (RBCs) which are normally biconcave become sickle-shaped. This condition is called sickle-cell anaemia. The oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin in such individuals is very low.
• In this condition, clumping and thereby, destruction of erythrocytes occurs most often. As a result, blood vessels are obstructed and the circulatory system, brain, lungs, kidneys, etc. are damaged.
• Symptoms of sickle-cell anaemia are swelling of legs and hands, pain in joints, severe general body aches, frequent cold and cough, constant low-grade fever, exhaustion, pale face, low haemoglobin count.
• A person suffering from sickle-cell anaemia should take a tablet of folic acid daily.

Here are a few signs and symptoms that need to be looked out for, for sickle cell anaemia.

• Swelling of hands and feet.
• Frequent infections.
• Delayed puberty or growth.
• Vision problems.
• Anaemia - a person with sickle cell anaemia have few blood cells.

Treatment: A number of treatments are available for sickle cell anaemia.

• Rehydration with intravenous fluids.
• Treating associated infections.
• Blood transfusions.
• Supplemental oxygen is given to the patient.
• Immunization.