Severe Medical Issues and Emergencies Sickle Cell Disease Patients Experience

 

Medical Issues and Emergencies Sickle Cell Disease 

The blocked blood flow people with sickle cell disease/disorders experience can lead to severe medical issues, and emergencies called pain crises. Having SCD also raises the risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Here are some of the severe medical issues that come with SCD:

Acute Painful Episodes or Pain Crises

When SCD patient experiences conditions like stress, cold, dehydration, over‐exertion, they may develop acute painful episodes. Pain crises may last for a couple of hours or about two weeks or even longer, requiring hospitalization. If a person has SCD, it is always important that they express how they feel at the workplace or hospital once a pain crisis begins or is about to begin. An employer should always listen in order to permit the SCD patient to rest and re-integrate into work later or when appropriate. Doing this promotes inclusion at work which is necessary. Rest at home can easily prevent a more severe crisis and cut down overall work time lost.

Fever

If you are suffering from sickle cell disorder, your risk of catching certain bacterial infections rises. A fever that is higher or at 101° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius could be a sign of an infection. That’s why anyone with SCD and fever needs to seek urgent medical attention.

Acute Chest Syndrome

 This condition includes chest pain, breathing difficulty, coughing and fever. Acute chest syndrome shares symptoms with flu. So, to be sure, consult a doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis.

Haemolysis

People living with SCD have prematurely destroyed red blood cells as they only live in the bloodstream for 20 days instead of the usual 120 days. This condition renders them anemic, making them more liable to suffer from fatigue, a feeling of laziness or concentration difficulty. Those who go for regular blood transfusions every 4‐6 weeks sometimes end up tired before the transfusion cycle finishes.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain refers to long time pain. It can continue for months or even years, making healing an extremely difficult solution to have. Some people with SCD go through chronic pain and acute painful crises. SCD patients may go for pain management courses and/or psychological therapies. It helps them learn the best way to recognize various types of pain and the correct way to manage them.

Strokes

If someone has SCD, their risk of stroke becomes much higher. Here is the FAST approach to apply to ascertain the symptom:

Facial weakness: See if the person can smile or get their eye or mouth drooped.

Speech problems: Is the person speaking clearly and understanding what you say?

Arm: Can the person lift both of their hands above their shoulders?

Time: Dial the emergency number for an ambulance right away.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Some SCD patients experience hypoxia or low oxygen levels during the night. That may lead to poor quality sleep or zero sleep at night, leading to tiredness in the morning in addition to the tiredness that results from anaemia.

Priapism

It refers to an unwanted painful erection of the penis that has no connection with thoughts about sex, and the effect of priapism may also be poor quality sleep.

Since all the above medical issues and emergencies are severe conditions that demand immediate attention, seeking urgent medical help is the way. Also, supplements and home remedies can help push back on acute painful episodes and all other pain crises. Apart from leaving a comment below, you can contact me for help with combating these SCD issues using natural treatments.