Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped, flexible, and have type A hemoglobin. This pigment, in addition to being responsible for the red color of these cells and, consequently, of our blood, allows the transport of oxygen to the various regions of the body.
The low concentration of functional hemoglobin in the blood characterizes a condition called anemia. Generally, this condition is related to the lack of one or more nutrients, with iron being responsible for most cases.
As for sickle cell anemia, what happens is that people who have this disease have hemoglobin S, instead of hemoglobin type A. It has, as one of its main characteristics, the fact that it crystallizes in situations where concentrations of oxygen decrease, causing the red blood cells to have their walls broken, becoming rigid, elongated, and shaped like a Scythe.
Thus, we have as a result red blood cells that are not durable and that, due to their morphology, hinder the passage of blood through some blood vessels of smaller caliber, also impairing the oxygenation of the fabrics. The person with this disease, therefore, feels fatigued and with pain, especially in the bones and joints. In addition, such an individual tends to have growth retardation, sores on the legs (predominantly near the ankle), prone to infections, and their skin and eyes are yellowish.
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Sickle cell anemia has a genetic and hereditary origin. However, in order to manifest itself, it is necessary that the person in question receives, from both the father and the mother, the altered gene. If you only receive it from one of your parents, the individual in question will be characterized as having a sickle cell trait, not developing the condition. However, if you have a child with a partner with the disease, or with the same condition, there is a chance that the child will be born with sickle cell anemia.
diagnosed in foot test (as well as phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism), another way to identify this condition is through a test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. It is pertinent to emphasize the relevance of seeking medical help to rule out or confirm the sickle cell anemia, in the case of people who have cases like this in the family and have not been tested for tootsy.
As for the treatment, as it is an incurable disease, medical follow-up is important, aiming at improvements in the quality of life for the patient, such as pain control, better oxygenation of body tissues, and prevention of complications.
Curiosities:
Sickle cell anemia is one of the most prevalent hereditary diseases in Brazil and in the world; and it is more frequent among the Afro-descendant population.
By Mariana Araguaia
Biologist, specialist in Environmental Education
Brazil School Team
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
ARAGUAIA, Mariana. "Sick cell anemia"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/anemia-falciforme.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.