is a hereditary blood disorder, characterized by an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying haemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. This leads to a propensity for the cells to assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle-like shape under certain circumstances. Sickle-cell disease is associated with a number of acute and chronic health problems, such as severe infections, attacks of severe pain ("sickle-cell crisis", and stroke, and there is an increased risk of death.

Sickle-cell disease occurs when a person inherits two abnormal copies of the haemoglobin gene, one from each parent. Several subtypes exist, depending on the exact mutation in each haemoglobin gene. A person with a single abnormal copy does not experience symptoms and is said to have sickle-cell trait. Such people are also referred to as carriers.

The complications of sickle-cell disease can be prevented to a large extent with vaccination, preventive antibiotics, blood transfusion, and the drug hydroxyurea/hydroxycarbamide/nicosan. A small proportion requires a transplant of bone marrow cells.

Managing sickle cell anemia

Taking steps to stay healthy may help you avoid complications of sickle cell anemia. If you or your child has sickle cell anemia, follow these suggestions to help you stay healthy:

1.Take folic acid supplements daily, and choose a healthy diet: Bone marrow needs folic acid and other vitamins to make new red blood cells. Your doctor may recommend a folic acid supplement. You can increase the number of vitamins you eat each day by choosing a diet that focuses on a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains.

2.Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can increase your risk of a sickle cell crisis. Drink water throughout your day, aiming for about eight glasses a day. Increase the amount of water you drink if you exercise or spend time in a hot, dry climate.

3.Avoid temperature extremes: Exposure to extreme heat or cold can increase your risk of a sickle cell crisis.

4.Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it. Talk with your doctor about how much exercise is right for you.

5.Use over-the-counter medications with caution. Some medications, such as the decongestant pseudoephedrine, can constrict your blood vessels and make it harder for the sickle cells to move through freely.

6.Fly on airplanes with pressurized cabins. Unpressurized aircraft cabins may not provide enough oxygen. Low oxygen levels can trigger a sickle crisis.
Plan ahead when traveling to high-altitude areas. There is less oxygen at higher altitudes, so you may require supplemental oxygen to avoid triggering a sickle cell crisis. Meet with your doctor before your trip to discuss the risks of traveling to a high-altitude area.

It is generally advisable to live a healthy and limited lifestyle
Avoid stress
Avoid smoking
Avoid alcohol
Most especially run from the Nigerian heat!
Have an emergency bag with all your pain meds and other necessities with u all the time.

A wonderful saying "God will not give you what you can't handle"


All mothers,doctors and the nurses in the house let's make this a meeting point for discussion and sharing,helping and also let's show love.

nice write up... most sickle cell patients experience more psychological trauma than the health complications... SCa is not the end of the world, in fact they can live a very promising and fulfilled life

Most especially teenagers don't ever agree or own up that have the traits or the disease which is hereditary, this is because nobody wants the excessive empathy towards them.

But really it helps we are in an advanced society now.