There are several aspects to sickle cell management. Following a foliate rich diet and taking folic acid supplements are important steps because foliate helps produce healthy red cells. To treat sickle cell “crise’ episodes in which suckled red cells get caught in small blood vessels, preventing blood flow and causing pain and causing pain and damage to vital organs intravenous infusions of fluid are given for dehydration, antibiotics are given to treat infections, and analgesic drugs are given to relieve pain. An exchange blood transfusion may also be given to remove suckled cells and replenish the body’s supply of healthy red cells.
People with sickle cell anemia are advised to avoid areas in which oxygen levels are low since low amounts of oxygen can cause other wise normal red cells to sickle. Drugs that cause blood vessels to constrict and thus make it harder for red cells to squeeze through should also be avoided.
0 comments