People with sickle cell anemia get the illness from their biological parents. The gene that aids in producing normal red blood cells mutates or changes in sickle cell anemia. Those who obtain the mutated hemoglobin protein gene from both biological parents have Lafayette sickle cell disease. Also, people who inherit the mutant gene from one biological parent have sickle cell traits.

Treating sickle cell anemia

Healthcare providers usually address sickle cell anemia with blood transfusions, antibiotics to treat infections, and drugs that limit symptoms caused by sickle cell anemia problems. These medicines may include the following;

1.      Hydroxyurea: Hydroxyurea is an anticancer drug used to address sickle cell anemia. In 2017, the FDA approved hydroxyurea as sickle cell anemia therapy for kids aged two and older and adults.

2.      Voxelotor: This drug prevents red blood cells with abnormal hemoglobin from becoming sickled cells. Voxelotor may also prevent some red blood cells from being destroyed quicker than your bone marrow can replace them. In 2019, the FDA authorized voxelotor for sickle cell disease therapy, and in late 2021, as a treatment for kids age four and older.

3.      L-glutamine therapy: L-glutamine aids in reducing some of the complications associated with sickle cell anemia. Sickled cells develop over time, and L-glutamine helps protect sickled cells from becoming more deformed. In 2017, the FDA approved L-glutamine for the therapy of kids aged five and older and adults.

4.      Crizanlizumab-tmca: Those with sickle cell anemia cope with sudden bursts of severe pain called VOC or acute pain crises. In 2019, the FDA approved the crizanlizumab-tmca drug to treat individuals aged 16 and older. Also, this medication may aid in reducing how frequent VOC or acute pain crises occur.

Indicators of medical disorders linked to sickle cell anemia

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear between the ages of 5 and 6 months. Most persons with sickle cell anemia are more likely to develop new medical issues as they age, and some of these conditions are potentially fatal. However, those with sickle cell anemia can seek aid at the first indication of problems by learning about conditions and symptoms, allowing healthcare experts to treat the illness.

What to expect if you have or your kid has sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a chronic disorder that cannot be cured; however, there are drugs that your healthcare provider uses to address sickle cell anemia problems. In some circumstances, these medications can keep sickle cell anemia from becoming worse. Furthermore, young kids may use some of these medicines. As kids grow up, they can take medications that do more to address sickle cell anemia complications.

Sickle cell illness is a life-long condition; however, while you cannot completely avoid the problems of sickle cell disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce some. Research has enabled healthcare practitioners to manage sickle cell anemia as a chronic condition, but it is a dangerous sickness with potentially fatal medical implications.

If you or your kid has sickle cell anemia, you may be thankful for previous achievements yet eager about the future. Researchers and healthcare workers are working tirelessly to develop a treatment for sickle cell anemia. Call Moore Healthcare Group to schedule your meeting today to determine the ideal sickle cell disease therapies for you or your kid.

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