Sickle cell anemia, a serious health condition, causes insufficient hemoglobin in your body. As a result, poorly oxygenated blood circulates through your body, leading to constant exhaustion and tiredness. This condition can be present in infants right from birth, and often makes itself known after a few months of a baby’s life. The symptoms of this disease can vary; while some sickle cell anemia patients may require hospitalization, others learn to live with the condition. The process of diagnosing and treating sickle cell anemia includes these steps:
1. Identification of symptoms
Sickle cell anemia occurs when your body does not produce the required number of red blood cells, causing extreme tiredness. Other symptoms you may experience are joint pain and pain in other areas of the body for no specific reason. Communicate your symptoms to your doctor so that they can perform a blood test to identify sickle cell anemia. If your blood test results indicate hemoglobin S, you likely have sickle cell anemia, and your physician will create a treatment plan for you.
2. Blood test
Once your blood has been tested, your doctor may ask you to undergo further tests. This will likely include a red blood cell count to determine the severity of your anemia, as well as to check for any other health complications. Once you have been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, the treatment process can be started immediately to deal with the condition quickly.
3. Bone marrow transplant
When it comes to sickle cell anemia, the only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant from a compatible donor, but this treatment is only carried out on some patients. This procedure comes with its own risks, which is why doctors often don’t recommend it for those who are older.
4. Medications for sickle cell anemia management
If you are older, your physician will prescribe certain medications that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of sickle cell anemia, like chronic pain. The doctor may also provide you with other medications to prevent health complications that can arise due to sickle cell anemia. Some of the medications that your physician will prescribe are antibiotics, painkillers, or hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea), which will help you deal with pain.
If you suspect that you are suffering from sickle cell anemia on account of constant fatigue, consult with your doctor as quickly as possible. By getting medical attention in time, you should be able to manage your condition better and even continue to lead a normal life, without the fatigue and pain that comes with sickle cell anemia.
