Monday, July 7, 2014

What To Know About Sickle Cell Charities For Kids

By Rosella Campbell


Sickle-cell disease and sickle-cell anemia, SCD or SCA respectively, are names given to a hereditary blood disorder. This condition is characterized by red blood cells that take on an rigid, abnormal shape. This sickling decreases the overall flexibility of the cells and heightens risk of life-threatening conditions. The disease is the result of a mutant gene that produces a mix of abnormal and normal haemoglobin. There are many sickle cell charities for kids that are designed to raise money to fund treatments and research for those affected by this hereditary disorder.

People that have this condition usually have a life that is shortened. In the past, males and females were not thought to live past 50 years of age. There have been advancements in medicine that have made for better disease management and now people with this are expected to live much longer. In fact, some live to 70 years old or beyond. A key to managing this being knowledgeable.

Charitable organizations for children with this problem aim to earn funds to increase medical studies for this disease. They are also designed to bring about awareness to all. This is often done by organizing educational resources so that sufferers, including children, are able to learn more about this disorder and how best to keep it in control.

There are many complications associated with this disease. Sufferers are at a greater risk of bacterial infections, stroke, silent stroke, osteomyelitis, cholelithiasis, avascular necrosis, opiod intolerance, infarcation and priapism, decreased immune system responses, leg ulcers, acute papillary necrosis, pulmonary hypertension and more. Many of these problems can be prevented or easily healed through proper care and a healthy lifestyle. There are several options available when it comes to managing this condition, including: bone marrow transplants, hydroxyurea, transfusion therapy, folic acid and penicillin, vaso-occlusive crises, malaria chemoprophylaxis and acute chest crisis.

These charities usually put the money they collect toward a variety of programs. Their efforts are typically focused on research, public information, advocacy and education. It is highly recommended that individuals do research on the organization or charity before putting forth a donation. Although most are doing honest work, there are some that are not. These groups all strive to find a cure for the disease and support those with it as much as possible.

What is believed to be the first written account of this condition was from around the 1840s. The 1900s saw a lot more information about this condition come to light. This disease afflicts many people around the globe, but appears to be more prevalent among those with ancestry linking them to the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, East India and Africa.

Diagnosis is typically done at birth as part of newborn screening tests. A second test is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. Children with this disease are more prone to infection and complications. This is why early treatment and diagnosis is important to preventing serious problems.

It is important that children receive regular care for this problem. Guardians should always share any concerns or questions with professionals. As the child gets older, educating them about their disease is important. Charities are doing their part to make these services more available around the world, while still raising money to put toward research to find a cure.




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