Sickle-cell anemia is a birth condition that is slowly but surely attacking the African American community, without notice. Sickle-cell is an inherited chronic disease in which the red blood cells, which are normally disc-shaped, become crescent shaped. As a result abnormal function sets in and causes small blood clots. From these clots reccurring and very painful episodes called “sickle cell pain crises” arise. The disease is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S, which is an inherited trait. A person who inherits the hemoglobin S cell from one parent and regular hemoglobin from another parent will have sickle cell trait, which is a trait that approximately 8 percent of African Americans carry.”I have watched my father suffer for years with this disease, it has become a very scary thing for me as his daughter, not just because I have to watch my father suffer; but because of the fact that I carry the sickle cell trait. I am very worried about the health of my future children, which can become discouraging. I don’t want to have to go through this with my children, however it’s hereditary in my family, and it’s something that I must deal with,” said junior Shontae Parker.
Sickle-cell may become life threatening when damaged red blood cells break down, when the spleen enlarges or traps the blood cells, or when an infection causes bone marrow to stop producing red blood cells. Blocked blood vessels and damaged organs can cause painful episodes and damage to the kidneys, lungs, bones, eyes and nervous system. Most who are infected may encounter these episodes many times a year, while some may only encounter them once every few years.
Sickle-cell can occur only when two carriers with the trait have a child together. Therefore it is highly recommended that those who carry the trait as well as those who don’t carry the trait seek genetic counseling. The trait now affects one in every 12 African Americans, it is encouraged even more in the urban community.
Prenatal diagnosis of the disease is also available. Parker, “When my parents were expecting me, they had me tested in order to detect any signs; I plan to do the same with my children. It’s important that parents and those who plan to conceive get tested, to prepare their family in the hopes of preventing this disease.