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People with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can lead a normal, active and healthy life if they have the right lifestyle and habits. Sickle cell disease is a problem with the body’s red blood cells. They’re shaped like a crescent (sickle-shaped) instead of a round disc, and. They get stuck together easily, and block small blood vessels. When blood can’t get to where it should, it can cause pain and problems with parts of the body.
When pain happens, it’s called a pain crisis. The pain can be anywhere in the body, such as the arms, legs, joints, back, or chest. It can come on suddenly, and be mild or severe. The pain can last for a few hours, a few days, or sometimes longer.
People with sickle cell disease have a low number of red blood cells, called anemia. This can make them feel tired, dizzy, or out of breath. They also may have some yellowing of the skin and eyes, called jaundice . And they can have problems with other parts of the body, like the lungs or kidneys.
Living with SCD doesn’t prevent one from taking part in most of the same activities as other people. Making smart choices is important in keeping the condition from flaring into a crisis. If your loved one has SCD, you will want to help the person to enjoy a normal life. Below are ten (10) important tips on how to help people with SCD to stay healthy.
- Get Regular Check-ups
Regular health checkups with a primary care doctor can help prevent some serious problems. Babies from birth to 1 year of age should see a doctor every 2 to 3 months. Children from 1 to 2 years of age should see a doctor at least every 3 months. While children and adults from 2 years of age or above should see a doctor at least once every year.
- Detect Signs of Crisis.
You may be able to tell when your loved one is about to have a sickle cell crisis. Knowing the signs can help you deal with crises quickly or perhaps keep them from happening again. Be alert to symptoms, be prepared, and make allowances when necessary. If you have any of the following problems, get medical attention right away:
- Fever of 39 degree Celsius or higher
- Chest pain
- Severe pain that you can’t soothe
- Severe headache, dizziness or stiff neck
- Seizure
- Swelling in your belly
- Loss of feeling or movement
- For men, a painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours
- Problems breathing
- Sudden loss of vision
- Healthy Diet
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein can help people with SCD stay health and minimize the occurrence of health crisis. Also drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce the risk of sickle cell crisis. About 8 glasses a day is ideal to stay hydrated. Drink more fluid if you’re exercising or in hot weather.
- Using the Right Medication
It is important that people with Sickle Cell Anaemia adhere strictly to their medication to avoid the risk of sickle crisis. The use herbal remedies such as Immunozin Capsules can help in the management of Sickle Cell Disease with no side effects. Immunozin capsules boosts body immunity and protects against a wide variety of ailments and diseases. It has been proven that SCD patients who use Immunozin have been able to live normal lives with almost zero occurrence of health crisis. Immunozin contains extracts that help in the management of chronic diseases including diabetes, asthma, and sickle cell. Immunozin capsules reduce the rate of crisis and painful episodes in sickle cell warriors. It helps in improving the clinical features of sickle cell disorder. It inhibits polymerization of the red blood cells from occurring thus prevents the cascade of events that lead to crisis, painful episodes, and other features of sickle cell anaemia.
Things to Avoid
SCD is a complex disease, so it’s important to people with the disease are cautious of their environment and lifestyle to prevent the occurrence of health crisis. Some of the common things people with SCD have to avoid include:
- Extreme temperatures. Extreme heat or cold, or any swift changes in temperatures, could set off a crisis.
- High altitude. Lack of oxygen at high altitudes could trigger a crisis.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption. Smoking puts people with SCD at a high risk of chest pains because it can trigger a lung condition called acute chest syndrome. This is when sickle cells stick together and block oxygen from getting into your lungs. Alcohol too must be avoided because it can cause dehydration.
- Infections. Common illnesses can be very serious for people with SCD. Washing of hands before eating or after using the bathroom should always be done.
- Stress. It’s hard to avoid, but stress can trigger a crisis, so try to take time to relax or find techniques that help you calm down. Also, Heavy physical labour should be avoided. Though it’s good to get moderate exercise, very intense activities that are exhausting or leave one with SCD out of breath should be avoided.
