Prevention

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that is not preventable. But a couple may meet with a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant to learn more about their chances of having a child with sickle cell disease. People whose ancestors were from Africa, India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean (Turkey, Italy, Greece), and some Latin American countries are more likely to inherit the gene that can cause sickle cell disease.

Home Treatment

Home treatment for sickle cell disease includes steps to control pain and prevent complications of the disease. If you don't already have a home treatment plan, ask your doctor to help you develop one. Use this plan whenever symptoms are present. Your plan may include:

• Home treatment for pain.
• Home treatment for prolonged erection of the penis (priapism).
• General health tips.

Children with sickle cell disease need standard immunizations, such as pneumococcal and flu shots. Also, children younger than 5 years need to take a daily antibiotic, such as penicillin, to prevent infection.

Special needs of people living with sickle cell disease

You can help your child cope with special needs in school by:

• Making arrangements with teachers or a tutor to help your child keep pace with classmates when illness causes absences from school.
• Explaining to teachers that children with sickle cell disease may need to use the bathroom more often than other kids. They also need more water than the other students. Not drinking enough water can raise the chance of a sickle cell crisis.
• Educating teachers and other school employees about the signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease that need urgent medical care. Written instructions will help school personnel know what to do and who to call in an emergency.

Children with sickle cell disease can usually exercise and play normally if they:

• Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise. Lack of fluids (dehydration) can cause cells to sickle.
• Get regular rest breaks during vigorous exercise.
• Stay warm. Exposure to cold air, wind, and water can trigger a painful event. Dress children in warm layers of clothing for cold-weather activities. Avoid swimming and playing in cold water.

Folic acid supplements are often a necessary part of the diet for people with sickle cell disease, particularly if you aren't eating enough folate-rich leafy vegetables (such as spinach).