Managing sickle cell disorder (2)
Posted: June 21, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Rotimi Adesanya | credits: File copy
Treatment
Treatment for sickle cell anaemia (SS) is usually aimed at avoiding crises, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. A person with sickle cell anaemia will need to make regular visits to the hospital to check the red blood cell count and monitor his/her health.
Treatment may include antibiotics, vitamins, daily folic acid, blood transfusions, pain-relieving medicines, supplemental oxygen, fluid therapy and other medications; and possibly surgery to correct vision problems or to remove a damaged spleen.
Self/home management: It is advisable that a sickle cell patient drinks plenty of water, eat balanced diets that contain all classes of food in the right proportions, including fresh fruits and vegetables; take regular non strenuous exercises, keep warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather.
Antibiotics: Children with sickle cell anaemia may begin taking the antibiotic penicillin when they are about two months of age and continue taking it until they are five years old.
Anti-malarials: Children with sickle cell anaemia should be given anti-malarial prophylaxis from time to time in order to prevent crises.
Pain-relieving medications: To relieve pain during a sickle crisis, over-the-counter pain relievers and application of heat to the affected area should be deployed. Stronger pain medication can also be prescribed by the doctor.
Dietary supplements: Ciklavite, Trevor, Jobelyn and many more are some dietary supplements (adjuvants) that play supportive role in the management of sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea: When taken daily, hydroxyurea reduces the frequency of painful crises and may reduce the need for blood transfusions. It may be an option for adults with severe case of the disease. It is only administered under strict medical supervision.
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Managing sickle cell disorder (2)