5 symptoms of sickle cell disease in infants, parents need to know

Adults aren't the only ones suffering from anemia, they can also affect babies. Anemia in infants is usually sickle cell disease or sickle cell disease.

The cause of anemia in children and infants is genetic. But the child must have two sickle cell genes from his mother and father to have sickle cell disease. If there is only one gene, the baby can be a carrier without showing symptoms of sickle cell disease
.
In children with sickle cell anemia, most or all of their red blood cells will be crescent shaped. In fact, blood cells must be flat like a plate.

This abnormal form causes red blood cells to become sticky, stiff, difficult to circulate throughout the body and easily trapped in blood vessels. As a result, sufferers can experience tissue damage and often even feel pain in many parts of his body.

What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease in infants?

Although classified as genetic or hereditary disease, sickle cell disease symptoms will not immediately be seen in infants. Usually, symptoms of anemia begin to appear only in babies aged five months to one year.

Because there is always hemoglobin produced by the baby's body while still in the womb, also known as fetal hemoglobin. This hemoglobin protects red blood cells in the shape of a crescent.

Fetal hemoblobin will begin to disappear at the age of five months. That's when sickle cell disease also starts showing symptoms. What are the symptoms?
  • anemia

This symptom is the most common indication of sickle cell disease. In babies, this condition will give your child a pale and listless appearance.

  • Jaundice or jaundice

Red blood cells with sickle cell anemia have a shorter life span. When this red blood cell dies, it releases bilirubin.

When red blood cell damage occurs too often, the level of bilirubin in the baby becomes too high. As a result, babies may have yellow skin, white eyes and mouth. This disease is called jaundice or jaundice.

  • Pain crisis

Symptoms of sickle cell disease, this occurs when red blood cells obstruct blood circulation, causing pain in the area. Pain attacks can occur anywhere in the body, but most often in the chest, arms and legs.

  • Dactylis

Dactylis swells in the fingers and toes, which hurt, so the baby will have difficulty worrying about touching this part.

  • Acute thoracic syndrome

Acute thoracic syndrome is caused by swelling, infection and blockage of blood vessels in the lungs. This disease is a medical emergency and the patient must be immediately taken to the hospital.

Signs of agreement with this syndrome may include chest pain, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius.

The symptoms of sickle cell disease may resemble the symptoms of other diseases. To confirm the diagnosis, you must take your baby to the pediatrician.

If your baby has seizures, fainted, and continues to vomit, take him to the nearest health center immediately. 
How to treat babies with sickle cell anemia
Caring for babies with blood deficiency is a type of sickle cell anemia that is not easy. But you can take the following steps to care for infants and children with anemia:
  • Regularly check the baby's condition at the doctor so that his condition can continue to be monitored properly.
  • Share all your concerns with your doctor, including if you suspect a new symptom of sickle cell anemia in your baby.
  • Make sure the baby takes all the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
  • It's never bad to consult a baby with a number of medical specialists, for example to get a second opinion or check for complications.
  • Help your baby avoid things that cause pain attacks. For example, keep the room temperature so it is not too hot or cold, or avoid stress.
  • Make sure the baby does not do things that make him tired. If necessary, ask your doctor for recommendations about permitted and illegal activities.
  • Make sure your baby drinks often and gets plenty of rest so that they don't run out of fluid, especially dehydration.

When a baby has sickle cell disease, the doctor needs help to make a diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. Because this type of anemia can lead to dangerous complications later in life. From organic lesions, blindness, stroke.

0 Response to "5 symptoms of sickle cell disease in infants, parents need to know"

Post a Comment

Iklan Atas Artikel

Iklan Tengah Artikel 1

Iklan Tengah Artikel 2

Iklan Bawah Artikel