Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in misshapen red blood cells. It is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This mutation leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and take on a crescent or sickle shape.
Symptoms –
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia vary in severity and can include –
• Chronic anemia
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Episodes of severe pain known as sickle cell crises
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Delayed growth and Development in children
• Organ damage
Causes and Risk Factors –
Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning that it occurs when a person inherits two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent. Individuals who inherit only one copy of the gene are carriers and typically do not show symptoms of the disease. The condition is more prevalent in certain populations, including those of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent.
Complications-
Sickle cell anemia can lead to various complications due to the abnormal shape and decreased flexibility of red blood cells. These complications include –
• Acute chest syndrome (a lung-related condition)
• Stroke
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Organ damage (such as kidney and liver damage)
• Gallstones
• Priapism (painful, prolonged erection in males).
Additionally, individuals with sickle cell anemia are at an increased risk of developing infections, particularly in the spleen.
Diagnosis–
The diagnosis of sickle cell anemia involves a series of tests, including –
• A complete blood count reveals a low red blood cell count
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirms the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S
• Genetic testing confirms the presence of the mutated gene
Treatment –
While there is no cure for sickle cell anemia, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment approaches include:
• Pain management: Providing pain medications to alleviate the intense pain associated with sickle cell crises.
• Blood transfusions: Administering transfusions to replace sickled red blood cells with healthy ones.
• Hydroxyurea: A medication that stimulates the production of fetal hemoglobin, which can prevent sickling of red blood cells.
• Bone marrow transplant: A potentially curative treatment option where healthy stem cells are transplanted to replace the defective ones.
• Vaccinations and antibiotics: Reducing the risk of infections by administering vaccines and preventive antibiotics.
Ayurvedic Perspective –
In Ayurveda, any ailment is related to an imbalance of doshas or life energies in the body. The subsequent reason for this condition is the abnormality in the sperm and ovum or ova. Beejdosha triggers deviation in the functioning of Raktavaha srotas of the body because of which platelets don’t get typical characteristics.
Single ayurvedic herbs that are useful in this case are –
• Punarnava
• Giloy
• Haridra
• Bhumyamalaki
• Shallaki
• Guggulu
• Triphala
• Trikatu
• Yashtimadhu
• Tulsi
• Pippali
Ayurvedic formulations recommended in this condition are –
• Punarnava Mandoor
• Loha Bhasma
• Yograj Guggulu
• Navayasa Loha
• Shilajeet Vati
• Triphala Guggulu
• Punarnavadi Guggulu
• Swarna Makshika Bhasma
• Arogyavardhini vati
Herbal Remedies –
• Mix one cup of pomegranate juice, one fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder and two teaspoons of honey. Drink this daily before breakfast.
• Blend one medium sized beetroot, three carrots and half of a sweet potato. Drink this juice atleast once a day.
• Soak two dry dates in a cup of milk overnight. Eat the soaked dates in the morning on an empty stomach. Also drink the milk.
• Soak some sesame seeds in water for atleast two hours. Strain and crush the seeds to get the paste. Add honey to this paste and mix well. Have this paste atleast twice a day.
For more informative articles on Blood disorders & other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@santripty and feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.