MAHARASHTRA GRAPPLES WITH RISING SICKLE CELL ANEMIA CASES, KNOW MORE ABOUT IT

A large population of the Tribal community in Maharashtra is suffering from a widespread problem of Sickle Cell Anemia. Due to the lack of equipment and infrastructure required to treat the rare disease, people are facing the risk of deformities as well as a threat to their lives.

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder characterised by abnormal red blood cells. Instead of their typical round and flexible shape, these cells take on a sickle or crescent-like form due to a mutation in the gene responsible for producing hemoglobin.

Sickle Cell Anemia is purely genetic. It requires inheriting two mutated copies of a specific gene, one from each parent. Inheriting only one makes you a carrier (able to pass it on, but not have the disease).

Sickle Cell Anemia causes severe pain episodes, fatigue, weakness, pale skin or jaundice, frequent infections, and swollen hands/feet.

While there's no cure for Sickle Cell Anemia, treatments manage pain, prevent complications, and improve life quality. This includes pain medication, fluids for better blood flow, blood transfusions in severe cases, and hydroxyurea to help make healthy red blood cells.