Red blood cells contain a special protein called hemoglobin (Hb) that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Hemoglobin is produced in the bone marrow. This chemical substance is what gives red blood cells their color. The main hemoglobin in normal red blood cells is hemoglobin A (HbA). People with Sickle Cell Disease have Sickle hemoglobin (HbS)(General, 1). Normally, red blood cells live for about 120 days before new ones replace them, but sickled red blood cells only live for about 16 days.

Normal red blood cells can bend and flex easily to pass through veins. When sickle hemoglobin gives up its oxygen to the tissues, it sticks together to form long rods inside the red blood cells making these cells distorted and rigid. The red cells take on the appearance of the C-shaped farm tool called a sickle. Because of their shape, sickled red blood cells can't

painkillers, fluids, and oxygen. Folic acid and a B vitamin are also used to help patients. They should also be vaccinated against pneumonia because sickle cell patients are prone to getting it(Frequently, 1). The only way to prevent sickle cell disease is to find out whether or not you carry the genes for the disease before getting pregnant.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) can be carried out earlier then amniocentesis. This test is usually taken during the 9th or 10th week of pregnancy. It takes a small amount of material from the developing placenta. This test can be done by placing a thin tube through the cervix for a sample or by placing a needle in the womb and using an ultrasound scanner to guide it. Though CVS is usually the technique used to determine sickle cell, it has more risks than amniocentesis(Chorionic, 1). This is a relatively new test and there is not as much information on reliability either.

Sudden outbursts of pain in sickle cell patients are called "crises." These episodes can range from a mild attach lasting for only a few minutes to a severe pain lasting days or weeks requiring hospitalization. Pain-killing drugs are sometimes used to treat severe crises. Most pain occurs in the arms, legs, back, and stomach. Thirst, overexertion, cold weather, cold drinks, and swimming may cause the pain in children, while stress triggers the crises in adults. Swelling of the hands and feet can also occur during blood vessel blockage.

Another common symptom of Sickle Cell is Jaundice. Jaundice occurs when there is excessive disintegration of red blood cells as in anemia. It is an abnormal condition in which body fluids and tissues, particularly the skin and the eyes, take on a yellowish color(Frequently, 4). This symptom is not a concern unless it noticeably worsens. However, this condition may indicate upcoming crises.

Chemotherapy drugs have also been known to cure sickle cell. A number of other new therapies, including hydroxyurea, for reducing the severity and frequency of complications of the disease are also being tried(Sickle, 2). Limiting the damage to the organs through medical care also improves the survival and the quality of life for many affected people. Scientists say that gene therapy may someday have a cure at less risk as well. Many organizations, such as the March of Dimes, have been major supporters of sickle cell disease research.

Although there is no known universal cure for Sickle Cell Disease, there have been new advance

Some common words found in the essay are:
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