Sickle Cell Anemia is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin within the bloodstream called hemoglobin "S". This disease can only be inherited by receiving the hemoglobin "S" from both parents genetically. In other cases, when one receives the hemoglobin "S" from one parent, not both, they have inherited a sickle cell trait. If one inherits the hemoglobin "S" and abnormal hemoglobin from another parent, they will receive hemoglobin SC disease. But unlike sickle cell anemia, these abnormalities will only form little or no side affects. When someone has Sickle Cell Anemia, the red bl

There is no cure for Sickle Cell Anemia, but there are possibilities for alleviating the pain associated with it with various medications: pain relieving, antibiotics, and hydroxyurea. When someone is experiencing pain, the pain relieving medication can be prescribed by a doctor, as the pain can last hours or days depending on the person. Applying heat to the affected area can also help soothe the pain. If there is no relief following these treatments; a higher prescription is often prescribed. When a child has Sickle Cell Anemia, antibiotics are usually necessary. In 1986, an important breakthrough for children was discovered. Scientists discovered that if a child took two doses of penicillin each day, it would reduce the chance of getting an infection. This regimen is usually suggested to begin when the child reaches the age of three months. At the age of 3 months until the age of 6 years, a child also takes oral penicillin to prevent pneumonia. Receiving pneumonia during this age is very dangerous and life threatening to a child who also has Sickle Cell Anemia. As for adults, antibiotics can also be prescribed to help prevent infections. Hydroxyurea, which is also given to people with leukemia, also treats Sickle Cell Anemia. The National Institute of Health issued a study in 1995 summarizing that hydroxyurea minimized the pain caused by sickled cells. It was also said that the drug lowered the chances of needing as many blood transfusions, and receiving acute chest syndrome. It also helps produce Fetal Hemoglobin, which helps prevent the sickling of red blood cells in newborns. Fetal Hemoglobin is the hemoglobin that each human produces before being born. While in the placenta, the child's fetal hemoglobin prevents the hemoglobin "S" from being formed. But shortly before the child is born, the body starts to produce adult hemoglobin instead. At birth an infant has equal amounts of Fetal Hemoglobin and Adult Hemoglobin. By the time the child is roughly six months old, the body stops making Fetal Hemoglobin all together. As for a child with Sickle Cell Anemia, there is no longer any protection from the Hemoglobin "S" within the body, and the blood cells begin to sickle. Even though the drug hydroxyurea is a hopeful sign of discovering a cure, it is only a temporary fix. Long-term side effects have yet to be determined, but patients using the drug are monitored closely for their blood counts.

Advances in medicine have led people with Sickle Cell Anemia to live fairly normal lives, except for treatment when problems arise. Even though there is not a cure, people are beginning to live longer. The average life expectancy for women with Sickle Cell Anemia is 48 years, and men, 42 years. Someone that has a severe case of Sickle Cell Anemia, however, has a greater chance of living a shorter life. Usually 15% of Sickle Cell sufferers have an average of three painful attacks each year. The more attacks suffered, the shorter the life expectancy. With each attack, the body loses more blood and oxygen. Rarely some adults will continue to produce fetal hemoglobin, which can help prolong life. (www.emory.edu/PEDS/SICKLE/sicklept.htm)

The main cause of Sickle Cell Anemia is abnormal hemoglobin. Normal hemoglobin is classified as hemoglobin "A", but sickle cell carriers carry hemoglobin "S". Hemoglobin is a vital ingredient for the blood, allowing the blood to contain and carry oxygen. The red blood cell's job is to carry oxygen throughout the body to the tissues and organs. The red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow, the bone marrow being the key to creating new blood cells. (AMA, "Sickle Cell Anemia", 904.)

The risk factors for Sickle Cell Anemia are carried throughout a family. This disease cannot be "caught" or obtained from another person, it only can be passed on through genes. For example, if two people carry one si

Some common words found in the essay are:
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