Definition Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disease of the blood or more precisely of the red blood cells (erythrocytes). There are two different forms depending on the inheritance: a so-called heterozygous and homozygous form. The forms are based on a disturbed form of the erythrocytes. In the absence of oxygen, they take on a … Sickle cell anemia – How dangerous is it really?
Diagnosis Several methods can detect the sickle cell shape of the red blood cells. The easiest way to do this is by observation: If a drop of blood is spread out on a glass slide and sealed against air, affected erythrocytes take on the sickle shape (called sickle cells or drepanocytes). So-called target-cells or shooting-disk … Diagnosis | Sickle cell anemia – How dangerous is it really?
Associated symptoms The clinical picture of the symptoms depends on whether the affected person is a homozygous or heterozygous carrier. In the homozygous form, one can generally speak of the more severe form. Patients already suffer hemolytic crises and organ infarctions in childhood due to circulatory disorders. A hemolytic crisis is a complication of hemolytic … Associated symptoms | Sickle cell anemia – How dangerous is it really?
Therapy In the case of homozygous carriers, an attempt can be made to integrate the cultivation of normal erythrocytes in the body with an allogenic stem cell transplant. For this purpose, blood-forming stem cells are transferred to a sibling or a stranger, which then take over the (correct) blood formation. This is also done, for … Therapy | Sickle cell anemia – How dangerous is it really?
What medications are contraindicated? In principle, all drugs that increase the viscosity of the blood or impair the oxygen supply should be avoided. For example, sickle-cell patients should refrain from taking contraceptives containing estrogen, as these increase their risk of thrombosis. Drugs that act on the autonomic nervous system and narrow the vessels (vasoconstrictive drugs) … What medications are contraindicated? | Sickle cell anemia – How dangerous is it really?
The tiredness Tiredness is a symptom that suggests the brain to take a break. The increased fatigue in anemia is caused by a reduced supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain cells. This results in a slowing down of cell activity. It is not without reason that yawning (a reaction of the body … The tiredness | These can be the consequences of anemia
Introduction Anemia is a disease that affects mostly women. It results in a decreased concentration of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and/or red blood pigment (hemoglobin) in the blood. The cause is usually iron deficiency, but chronic blood loss and other blood formation disorders can also be the cause of the symptoms. Typically, symptoms such as … These can be the consequences of anemia
The shortness of breath Breathlessness is a typical symptom that can occur with a pronounced lack of blood. The missing red blood cells with their red blood pigment are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs. With anaemia, this transport is disturbed. Especially during physical (and mental) exertion this can lead to respiratory distress. The … The shortness of breath | These can be the consequences of anemia
What is anaemia from iron deficiency? The definition of anemia consists of a reduced amount of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and/or a small amount of red blood pigment (hemoglobin). If anaemia is caused by iron deficiency, not enough red blood pigment is produced, so that the erythrocytes are particularly small and do not contain much … Anemia due to iron deficiency
Treatment The anemia caused by iron deficiency should above all eliminate the cause of the iron deficiency. For example, the treatment of a chronic source of bleeding (often located in the intestine) can be an important part of the therapy. It is important to clarify the cause of the iron deficiency before balancing the iron … Treatment | Anemia due to iron deficiency
Note You are in a sub-theme of the anemia section. You can find general information on this topic under: Anaemia Introduction This is the second most common form of anaemia. Due to a chronic disease, anaemia occurs as a consequence or accompanying symptom. Cause and development of disease (pathophysiology) As a growth factor, the hormone … Anemia due to chronic diseases
Note You are in a sub-theme of the Anemia section. You can find general information on this topic under: Anemia Introduction Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common form of anaemia, accounting for over 50% of cases. Women are most frequently affected (about 80%). It occurs when the body needs more iron for blood formation … Iron deficiency anaemia
