GREENSBORO, N.C. — In the U.S. 100,000 people have sickle cell disease with 5,500 of those in North Carolina. Dr. Kathleen Elliot with Novant Health spoke with WFMY News 2 about sickle cell disease and who is affected.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is a common, inherited red blood disorder. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. They are commonly soft, round, and can squeeze through tiny blood vessels. Sickle cell disease has stiff, distorted red blood cell shapes.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear around six months of age. They can vary from person to person. Symptoms can include:
- Anemia
- Episodes of pain
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Delayed growth or puberty
- Vision problems
Sickle cell treatment
- Medications
- Blood transfusion
- Bone marrow transplant
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