Sickle Cell Anemia
By: Cory McConnell

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder that
affects the 11th chromosome, the one responsible
for creating proteins. SCA is characterized by the
patient having both normal Red Blood Cells, and
deformed, misshapen cells. These misshapen are
crescent moon or sickle shaped, hence the name
of the disorder.

SCA is so bad because the deformed sickle cells are inefficient at delivering oxygen to the rest of the body. The sickle cells can also clog arteries and cause major problems to the rest of the body. The body sends the sickle cells to the spleen, where they are destroyed. This is why you get anemia, because your body can't replace old cells fast enough.

WARNING:
Do NOT take my word for it, I am by no means a doctor. Please consult with a professional about the subject before considering these medications.

If you are experiencing some signs of SCA, consult with your doctor about these Prescriptions: Hydroxyurea, L-glutamine oral powder, Crizanlizumab, Voxelotor.
- Please note that these medications are for relieving pain, reducing symptoms and preventing complications. Though not guaranteed, they may potentially even cure SCA in some children and teenagers. (Taken from Mayo Clinic, 2020)

Shiel, William C. “21 Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms, Genetics, Treatment, Life Expectancy.” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 10 Jan. 2020, https://www.medicinenet.com/sickle_cell/article.htm

Staff, MayoClinic. “Sickle Cell Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876

“Sickle Cell Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, 31 May 2019, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4579-sickle-cell-anemia

Gibbons, Gary H. “Sickle Cell Disease.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Sept. 2020, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sickle-cell-disease

Pecker, Lydia. “Sickle Cell Disease | Sickle Cell Anemia.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 17 Feb. 2021, https://medlineplus.gov/sicklecelldisease.html

Green, E. “About sickle cell disease.” National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), 26 May. 2020, https://www.genome.gov/Genetic-Disorders/Sickle-Cell-Disease

Symptoms of SCA include:
- Anemia: The Sickle Cells are destroyed by the spleen, and cause a shortage of blood cells.
- Yellow tint in the skin: Due to the Sickle Cells being unable to carry oxygen, this causes a yellowish tint in the skin.
- Sudden, unexplained pain: The blockages in the blood vessels can cause swelling and pain.
- Swelling: Swelling in the abdomen, hands and feet are common, due to blockages.