Sickle Cell Anemia - Infographic

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that is present from birth. It is caused by a mutation in the DNA. A single nucleotide alteration (point mutation) in the beta - globin results in abnormal haemoglobin called haemoglobin S, which results in sickle cell anemia.

SCD is not contagious but is a genetic disorder. The pattern of inheritance of sickle cell anemia is autosomal recessive. SCD occurs when the child inherits two sickle cell genes, one from each parent.

The severity of the sickle cell disease varies from person to person. Anemia is the main symptoms for sickle cell disease.

There is no cure for sickle cell anemia as it is a genetic disease. The hemoglobin level in the sickle cell anemia patients is usually between 6 to 8 gm/dl; in severe cases, blood transfusion is required. Medications such as hydroxyurea can be used to treat sickle cell anemia. Penicillin is used to reduce infections.