Sickle Cell Anaemia
What is Sickle Cell Anaemia?
Sickle cell anaemia is a blood condition affecting haemoglobin production. Haemoglobin is a protein in the blood which carries oxygen around our bodies. Sickle cell anaemia is passed from parent to child in genes. Genes carry information about human characteristics such as eye colour, hair colour and haemoglobin. Sickle cell anaemia is inherited. Sickle cell anaemia is not contagious or transmitted by germs.
Sometimes changes occur to genes, resulting in medical conditions. Such changes occur to beta (b) globin genes in sickle cell disease:
- A person normally inherits two b globin genes for the production of the beta globin protein in haemoglobin.
- A person may have the sickle alteration (mutation) in one of their two b globin genes. This person is called a sickle cell carrier and is healthy.
- Carriers may be at risk of having a child affected with sickle cell disease if their partner is also a sickle cell carrier.
- When a person has the sickle alteration (mutation) in one of their b globin genes, and they have a certain alteration in their other b globin gene they may have a condition called sickle cell disease.
Due to the abnormal haemoglobin produced in people with sickle cell anaemia, some red blood cells form irregular sickle or crescent moon shaped cells. These cells reduce the amount of oxygen carried around the body causing anaemia. Sickle cells can also form clots narrow blood vessels causing pain episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).
Other symptoms include:
- Weakened immune system
- Delayed growth in children
- Vision problems
- Swelling of hands and feet
For more information visit: healthdirect.gov.au
Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia (TASCA) is a support and advocacy organisation for Australians living with genetic haemoglobin conditions.
OUR PARTNERS
NEWSLETTER
Copyright © Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia