Sickle cell anemia refers to a group of inheritable genetic conditions in which there is an abnormality of the hemoglobin - the protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the various organs of the body.

In Sickle cell disorders, some of the red blood cells form a sickle shape following the release of oxygen, which causes them to clump together making their passage through smaller blood vessels difficult. Sickle cell disorders mainly occur in people whose ancestors are of African, African-Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Indian origins. Attacks may be precipitated by cold, dehydration, or infections. The most common symptoms are episodic pain in the joints, bones, abdomen and other parts of the body, known as "painful crises". Other problems associated with the condition may affect the spleen or cause blood in the urine, jaundice, strokes , eye problems, leg ulcers, enuresis and delayed puberty.

Related Articles

Hemoglobin at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Hemoglobin refers to a heme- which contains protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting . . . Read More
Acupressure at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Acupressure refers to the mild, finger tip pressure massage on certain meridian points of the body to . . . Read More
Anemia at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Anemia refers to a condition in which there is a deficiency in the oxygen-carrying material of the blood: . . . Read More
Atherosclerosis at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Atherosclerosis refers to a major cause of heart disease; caused by the narrowing of the arterial walls . . . Read More
High blood pressure at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
High blood pressure which also known as Hypertension refers to a condition in which the blood supply . . . Read More
Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
- Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) : Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) refers to a condition . . . Read More
Lymphatic system at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Lymphatic system refers to the drainage system of the body; believed to be involved in immune functioning; . . . Read More
Sexual dysfunction at psychology-glossary.com■■■
Sexual dysfunction refers to a sexual disorder in which the patient (client) finds it difficult to function . . . Read More
CVA (Cerebrovascular accident) at psychology-glossary.com■■■
- CVA (Cerebrovascular accident) : CVA is the acronym of Cerebrovascular accident which is a technical . . . Read More
Endocrine system at psychology-glossary.com■■■
Endocrine system refers to the system of glands that release their secretions (hormones) directly into . . . Read More