Sickle Cell Anemia: Living with the Struggle

Sickle Cell Anemia is a hereditary blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. In a healthy individual, red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels. However, in someone with sickle cell disease, the cells become rigid, sticky, and shaped like crescent moons or sickles. These misshapen cells tend to clump together, blocking blood flow and leading to a variety of painful and serious complications.

The root cause of sickle cell anemia lies in a genetic mutation that affects hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder is inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. If only one gene is inherited, the child has sickle cell trait, which usually doesn’t cause symptoms but can be passed on to offspring. The disease is more common in people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry, but it can affect individuals from all backgrounds.

There are different forms of the disease, with Hemoglobin SS being the most severe. Others, like Hemoglobin SC or Sβ-thalassemia, tend to have milder symptoms but can still significantly impact health. Understanding these variations is crucial for patients and their families, as each type may require a different approach to management and care.