3.1 The Disease By: Jalin Christian

What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease is a inherited blood disorder that affects erythrocytes(red blood cells). Normally Red blood cells are round so they can travel through the blood vessels freely. Patients with sickle cell disease have a mutation on chromosome 11 that codes for the beta subunit of the hemoglobin protein. Hemoglobin molecules not forming properly causes the cells to become a sickled shape. These sickle shaped cells are then extremely hard to move through the blood vessels without getting stuck.

Why does the sickling of red blood cells cause health problems? Once they become sickle shaped, they are unable to transport oxygen the right way. They push on the walls, causing pain and damage to various organs.

What is sickle cell anemia? Lack of red blood cells Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin(hemoglobin S) They block the flow of blood through the blood vessels Anemia: lack of red blood cells, hemoglobin or in total volume

How is anemia diagnosed? Anemia is diagnosed based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam will be done and also results based off certain procedures or tests. Listen to your heart Listen to your lungs Pelvic or rectal exam to check loss of blood Complete blood count(CBC): will check the number of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells in your blood. Hematocrit test: how much space red blood cells take up in your blood and will show how much plasma there is

How does sickle cell disease affect daily life? People with sickle cell can live a normal life and enjoy the things they love doing but since their cells are abnormally shaped, it will cause severe pain throughout the body. It can be a challenge to live with sickle cell disease. “I usually feel good,” she says. “But some days it hurts so much in my legs and arms. I can’t really walk, and I don’t like people touching me. If it’s really bad, I have to go to the hospital.”