By: Glenna, Savannah, and Chris Sickle Cell By: Glenna, Savannah, and Chris

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects nearly 100,000 people in the United States. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.  Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, which enables them to travel through small blood vessels to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body

Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic abnormality in the gene for hemoglobin, which results in the production of sickle hemoglobin. When oxygen is released from sickle hemoglobin, it sticks together and forms long rods, which damage and change the shape of the red blood cell. The sickle red blood cells causes the symptoms of sickle cell disease. Children are born with sickle cell disease; it is not contagious. It occurs when a child inherits two sickle hemoglobin genes, one from each parent. About 2,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year in the United States. People who inherit only one sickle hemoglobin gene are carriers (sickle cell trait) and do not have anemia or painful sickle cell crises. About 2 million Americans have sickle cell trait

Because sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder, it is not preventable. Couples may opt to consult a genetic counselor before conceiving to learn more about their risk for having a child with SCD. At-risk couples who have conceived sometimes seek a prenatal diagnosis, with some choosing to terminate the pregnancy based on the findings

Sickle cell disease prevents oxygen from reaching the spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, or other organs, causing a lot of damage. Without oxygen, the cells that make up these organs will begin to die. For example, the spleen is often destroyed in these patients resulting in some loss of immune function. As a result, these patients often experience frequent infections. The red blood cells of patients with sickle cell disease don't live as long as healthy red blood cells. As a result, people with this disorder often have low red blood cell counts (anemia), which is why this disease is commonly referred to as sickle cell anemia. When sickle-shaped red blood cells get stuck in blood vessels this can cause episodes of pain called crises.

Medications Medications used to treat sickle cell anemia include: Antibiotics. Children with sickle cell anemia may begin taking the antibiotic penicillin when they're about 2 months of age and continue taking it until they're 5 years old. Doing so helps prevent infections, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening to an infant or child with sickle cell anemia. Antibiotics may also help adults with sickle cell anemia fight certain infections. Pain-relieving medications. To relieve pain during a sickle crisis, your doctor may advise over-the-counter pain relievers and application of heat to the affected area. You may also need stronger prescription pain medication.

Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea) Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea). When taken daily, hydroxyurea reduces the frequency of painful crises and may reduce the need for blood transfusions. It may be an option for adults with severe disease. Hydroxyurea seems to work by stimulating production of fetal hemoglobin — a type of hemoglobin found in newborns that helps prevent the formation of sickle cells. Hydroxyurea increases your risk of infections, and there is some concern that long-term use of this drug may cause tumors or leukemia in certain people. Your doctor

Sources used www.health.com www.newsday.com www.sicklecelldisease.com