HOME CARE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL

Sickle Cell Anaemia is a generic disease of the red blood cells, passed down to individuals by parents who are carriers of the gene or are sickle celled themselves. It is usually discovered in babies who are about four months old, but in others, it manifests itself as soon as they’re born there are several types of the disease, and each depends on the haemoglobin gene both parents pass down to their children. For example, when a person inherits copies of the haemoglobins gene from each parent, he/she automatically becomes an SS (haemoglobin SS) which is the most common type of sickle cell.

Red Blood Cells (RBCS) are normally disc shaped, this form enables them to be flexible and move between even the smallest of blood cells

However, this disease reshapes the RBC into a sickle shape, making it rigid, sticky and prone to getting stuck between small vessels, blocking the free flow of blood and causing pain whose intensity varies from person to person

Families of people living with this disease often freak out in the midst of a crises because of the pain the victim experiences, which can be triggered by intense weather conditions(both hot or cold), stress, especially from strenuous exercises or activities or any form of chronic fever (as shivering makes the body vulnerable to cold)

even though there are longer lasting treatments for sickle cell like bone marrow transplant, blood transfusion, supplemental oxygen, amongst others, some level of the crises can be handled at home through the following processe

1. Use A Heating Pad To Ease Pain:

In the absence of a heating pad  hot water and a towel can be used. dab affected areas with the hot towel and press down gently if possible. it is also advised to take slightly hot bath

2. Massage: this reduces pain and inflammation by releasing muscles around the joints. a massage also aids in free blood circulation

3. Victim must always be dressed in for the weather to avoid extreme conditions

4. Perform light exercise

5. Stay Hydrated:

To reduce the chances of a crisis, a sickle cell patient should take at least 10-11 glasses of water daily

6. Folic acid should be taken according to a doctor’s prescription

7. Consume an adequate amount of fruits, whole-wheat grains and vegetable

8. Pain Relief Medications: These can be gotten over the counter but it is advisable to get a doctor’s prescription, to reduce chances of an overdose.

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