Thursday, July 17, 2014

Information On Sickle Cell Charities For Kids

By Rosella Campbell


Sickle-cell disease and sickle-cell anemia, SCD or SCA respectively, are names given to a hereditary blood disorder. This condition is characterized by red blood cells that take on an rigid, abnormal shape. This sickling decreases the overall flexibility of the cells and heightens risk of life-threatening conditions. The disease is the result of a mutant gene that produces a mix of abnormal and normal haemoglobin. There are many sickle cell charities for kids that are designed to raise money to fund treatments and research for those affected by this hereditary disorder.

Those who have this condition usually have a shortened life. In the past, men and women with this were not expected to live beyond 50. Advancements in medicine have led to better disease management and now the life span is approximated at 70 years old, although some people live beyond that. A key to management of the disease is knowledge.

Organizations or charities for children strive to provide money that can be placed toward more research and studies on this disease. These funds are also used to bring new awareness to the public by way of educational resources and other information. Essentially, the goal is to educate children, parents and others about managing this disorder until a cure is found.

There are a lot of complications that can come on as a result of this disease. Sufferers are more likely to have a stroke, bacterial infections, leg ulcers, decreased immune systems, opiod intolerance, cholelithiasis, infarction and priapism and more. Most of these problems are preventable or easily treated amongst those who take care of themselves. Some of the most common treatments needed by sufferers of sickle cell include: penicillin and folic acid, malaria chemoprophylaxis, transfusion therapy, bone marrow transplants, vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest crisis and hydroxyurea.

These charities usually put the money they collect toward a variety of programs. Their efforts are typically focused on research, public information, advocacy and education. It is highly recommended that individuals do research on the organization or charity before putting forth a donation. Although most are doing honest work, there are some that are not. These groups all strive to find a cure for the disease and support those with it as much as possible.

The first written records of this date back to the 1800s. It was in the 1900s that a lot of information was brought to light about this. The condition afflicts people of all kinds, thought it seems dominant and those who have ancestors from East India, Mediterranean countries, Middle Eastern countries and Africa.

Diagnosis typically occurs at birth by way of a blood test, which is typical with newborn screening tests. A child testing positive may receive a second test for confirming the diagnosis. Children with this are likely to deal with more infections or complications, which is why early treatment and diagnosis is essential.

It is important that children receive regular care for this problem. Guardians should always share any concerns or questions with professionals. As the child gets older, educating them about their disease is important. Charities are doing their part to make these services more available around the world, while still raising money to put toward research to find a cure.




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