Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 100,000 Americans. The disease is estimated to occur in 1 in 500 African Americans and 1 in 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic Americans.
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that tells your body to make the iron-rich compound that makes blood red and enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body (hemoglobin).
Moreover, How is sickle cell anemia prevented?
Sickle cell disease symptoms can be avoided by preventing red blood cells from becoming sickle-shaped. Ways to help sickle cells stay round include: Drink plenty of water. One of the best things you can do to prevent sickle cell symptoms is to stay hydrated.
Secondly, How did sickle cell anemia start?
The origin of the mutation that led to the sickle-cell gene derives from at least four independent mutational events, three in Africa and a fourth in either Saudi Arabia or central India. These independent events occurred between 3,000 and 6,000 generations ago, approximately 70-150,000 years.
Simply so, How do you get sickle cell disease?
Two genes for the sickle hemoglobin must be inherited from one’s parents in order to have the disease. A person who receives a gene for sickle cell disease from one parent and a normal gene from the other has a condition called “sickle cell trait.” Sickle cell trait produces no symptoms or problems for most people.
Does sickle cell cause anemia?
Sickle cells break apart easily and die, leaving you with too few red blood cells. Red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they need to be replaced. But sickle cells usually die in 10 to 20 days, leaving a shortage of red blood cells (anemia).
18 Related Question Answers Found
Who is most affected by sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell disease is more common in certain ethnic groups, including: People of African descent, including African-Americans (among whom 1 in 12 carries a sickle cell gene) Hispanic-Americans from Central and South America. People of Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent.
How did sickle cell anemia come about?
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that tells your body to make the iron-rich compound that makes blood red and enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body (hemoglobin).
What type of people get sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is more common in certain ethnic groups, including: People of African descent, including African-Americans (among whom 1 in 12 carries a sickle cell gene) Hispanic-Americans from Central and South America. People of Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent.
How common is the sickle cell anemia?
In the United States It is estimated that: SCD affects approximately 100,000 Americans. SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births. SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births.5 days ago
Where did sickle cell disease come from?
SCD originated in West Africa, where it has the highest prevalence. It is also present to a lesser extent in India and the Mediterranean region. DNA polymorphism of the beta S gene suggests that it arose from five separate mutations: four in Africa and one in India and the Middle East.
Can a white person have sickle cell?
Answer. Yes, they can. Sickle cell disease can affect people of ANY race or ethnicity. Sickle cell disease, an inherited disorder of the red blood cells, is more common in African Americans in the U.S. compared to other ethnicities—occurring in approximately 1 in 365 African Americans.
Is Sickle Cell Anemia preventable?
Because sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder, it is not preventable. Couples may opt to consult a genetic counselor before conceiving to learn more about their risk for having a child with SCD.
Does sickle cell trait cause anemia?
The red blood cells that are available can become inflexible and sticky, blocking the flow of blood through the body. This restriction in blood flow can cause: pain. anemia.
Why do only African American get sickle cell?
This condition is called “sickle cell trait.” People with sickle cell trait have enough normal hemoglobin in their red blood cells to prevent the cells from sickling. One in 12 African Americans in the United States has sickle cell trait.
Why do some people have sickle cell anemia and others don t?
With one normal hemoglobin gene and one defective form of the gene, people with the sickle cell trait make both normal hemoglobin and sickle cell hemoglobin. Their blood might contain some sickle cells, but they generally don’t have symptoms.
Where was sickle cell discovered?
What we call its “discovery” in 1910 occurred, not in Africa, but in the United States. A young man named Walter Clement Noel from the island of Grenada, a dental student studying in Chicago, went to Dr. James B. Herrick with complaints of pain episodes, and symptoms of anemia.
How can sickle cell be prevented in babies?
Immunizations and daily doses of penicillin to help prevent infection. Kids with sickle cell disease should get all recommended vaccinations, including the pneumococcal, flu, and meningococcal vaccines. Folic acid supplements, which can help kids make new red blood cells.
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