PREVENTING SICKLE CELL CRISIS

Please note: Medical information is always changing therefore some information given below may be out of date. For updated information on an variety of health topics, please visit website which focus most on health related issues like familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.Also this publication is not aimed at commercials it is only meant for information purpose and to help those living with sickle cell disease with their burden. People living with sickle cell disease are usually seen as people with short life span most especially in most African countries but, we all have realise that any disease can be manage if we have relevant information and rally round the patient. Sickle cell patients can also live longer if they are not rejected and well taken care of as those in developed countries will do to one of their own.

Practical Tips For Preventing a Sickle Cell Crisis

 

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an hereditary problem that causes improper functioning of the hemoglobin in Red Blood Cells (RBC). It is well known that Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood of humans.

Normal red blood cells are disc like in shape and very flexible. In sickle cell disease, some red blood cells can change their shape to look like sickles or crescent moons. Because of this, they don't move well through the smallest blood vessels. This can stop or slow blood flow to parts of the body, causing less oxygen to reach these areas.

 What is a sickle cell crisis?

Sickle cell crisis is a pain that can begin suddenly and last several hours to several days. It happens when sickled red blood cells block small blood vessels that carry blood to human bones. The pains can occur some parts of the human body like back, knees, legs, arms, chest or stomach. The pain can be throbbing, sharp, dull or stabbing. The severity of the pain varies a lot from person to person and from crisis to crisis.

At times this pain crisis can be treated at home with oral medicines (that you take by mouth). If these medicines are not effective then, know that you're having severe pain, you might need to consult a medical doctor or be treated in the emergency department or hospital.

What causes a sickle cell crisis?

Mostly, it is difficult to identify what causes sickle cell crisis because the crisis may arise as a result of many causes and also it varies from one person to another. However, the crisis may be prevented by avoiding act(s) or things that might trigger it some of which are:

1. Dehydration (Less water in the body)
2. Smoking
3. Stress
4. Depression
5. Fatigue
6. Infections
7. Exposure to cold or hot weather.
8. Insomnia among many others.

 You can also take the following precautions:

1. Take less (avoid) alcohol.
2. Avoid smoking (If possible avoid passive smoking).
3. Drink a lot water always most especially during warm or hot weather to avoid or reduce dehydration.
4. Treat infections as soon as it is noticed. You can also consult your doctor when in doubt.
5. Regular moderate exercise without exhausting your too much energy, drink lots fluids during such exercise.
6. Reduce or avoid stress, depression or other emotional problem either social family or job.
7. Wear warm clothes outside in cold weather and inside in air-conditioned rooms during hot weather. Also, don't swim in cold water.
8. Try to be positive about yourself (live positively).
9. Tell your doctor if you think you might have a sleep problem, such as snoring or if you sometimes stop breathing during sleep.
10. If you have another medical condition, like diabetes, get treatment and control the condition.
11. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, get early prenatal care.
12. Only travel in commercial airplanes. If you have to travel in an unpressurized aircraft, talk to your doctor about extra precautions.

 What medicines can I use at home to control my pain?

 Some over-the-counter medicines might help relieve mild pain. Taking acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or aspirin might help. Medicines like ibuprofen (brand names: Advil or Motrin, Ibucap) or naproxen sodium (brand name: Aleve) might help if you can safely take these medicines. However, talk to your doctor before you take any medicine for your pain.

Mild narcotic like Codeine may be prescribe for moderate to severe pains by a medical practitioner. This medicine is often given with aspirin or acetaminophen. You will have to take this medicine regularly, as prescribed and around the clock, rather than waiting for the pain to return before taking your next dose.

What else can I do to control the pain?

Using other methods also work in some cases. A heating pad, hot bath, rest or massage might help physical therapy to relax and strengthen your muscles and joints might also lessen the pain. Individual counseling, self-hypnosis and activities to keep you from thinking about your pain (such as watching television or talking on the telephone) might also help this involves living positively.

 Living Positively

It's important for you to have a positive attitude, create a supportive environment, develop coping skills, strong family relationships, close personal friends and support group might help you cope with your disease.

Work with your family doctor to set goals for the management of your pain. Becoming more actively involved in your treatment will help you better manage your disease.

Where can I get more information about sickle cell disease?

 First, talk to your doctor. You can also get information and support from the following organization:

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.

200 Corporate Pointe, Suite 495

Culver City, CA 90230-8727

 

Telephone number: 1-310-216-6363 or 1-800-421-8453

Fax number: 1-310-215-3722

E-mail: scdaa@sicklecelldisease.org

Web site: sicklecelldisease.org

There are also a lot of non- governmental organizations (NGO's) in Nigeria that works to relieve the burden of sickle cell patients. Talk to your doctor for further enquiries.

More details at http://familydoctor.org.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject..