An overview of Sickle Cell Disease

With the world sickle cell disease (SCD) day coming up, this article is intended on shedding more light on SCD for better understanding.

I’m certain that like me, you may have been affected by SCD directly or indirectly.

SCD is a term used to describe a small variety of hemoglobin disorders. These disorders are characterized by a large amount of hemoglobin S in the blood when compared to normal adult hemoglobin. Although all types share similarities, some differences may impact your treatment plan and overall health.

Sickle hemoglobin disorders include, but are not limited to:

sickle cell anemia

hemoglobin SC disease

hemoglobin SD disease

hemoglobin SO-Arab

sickle beta thalassemia syndromes

SCD is the most come inherited disorder in the world. Meaning it cannot be transmitted except through the genes.

It is called sickle cell because the red blood cell of patients with SCD actually has the shape of a sickle.

SCD can affect any ethnicity but is commonly found among African descent. Hence the name, “black man disease”

I’m confident that you have enough overview of what SCD is. Sickle cell disease is a broad topic, from causes to types, to treatments and complications. Every week, different aspects will be discussed. Stay tuned.