Sickle cell disease (SCD) isn’t a single condition, but the name for a group of disorders that are hereditary. The disorders cause problems with blood cells. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 100,000 people in the United States have SCD. It is most prevalent in African Americans. If your aging relative is living with SCD, learning more about it can help you to be a more effective caregiver.
About Sickle Cell Disease
SCD is a genetic disease that makes red blood cells shaped like a crescent moon or sickle instead of being circular like they are supposed to be. The malformed cells aren’t flexible, so they don’t move easily through the blood vessels. Sometimes they even break apart. In addition, they usually don’t survive as long as they should. Sickle cells live from 10 to 20 days while healthy blood cells last up to 120 days. They can also stick to the walls of blood vessels, forming blockages.
Sickle cell causes chronic pain that occurs in episodes, sometimes called sickle cell crises. The pain happens because it prevents tissues and organs from getting enough oxygen. People who have SCD say that the pain is sharp and intense. Some say it is even more painful than childbirth.
Living with Sickle Cell
Sickle cell disease requires medical treatment by a doctor. They may prescribe medications or suggest various therapies to ease symptoms and prevent complications. There are also things that can be done at home to make living with the disease a little easier.
Some things that can help are:
-Folic Acid Supplements: Talk to the senior’s doctor about whether folic acid supplements might be useful. Folic acid is necessary for making red blood cells.
-Diet: A healthy, balanced diet will give bone marrow the vitamins it needs to make blood cells.
-Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated reduces the risk of having a painful episode.
-Watch the Temperature: Being exposed to extremely high or low temperatures can bring on a sickle cell crisis.
-Stay Active: Exercise is important, but people with SCD shouldn’t overdo it. Talk to the doctor about what is right for your aging relative.
-Over the Counter Medications: People with SCD should be careful about using non-prescription pain relievers since they can harm the kidneys. Talk to the doctor before using these medications.
Elderly care can help older adults with SCD to remain more comfortable in their homes. Elderly care providers can assist seniors when they are experiencing a sickle cell crisis, doing what they can to ease pain and offering emotional support. Elderly care providers can also remind the person to take medications prescribed by the doctor.
For more information about hiring Home Care Services in La Jolla, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
medlineplus.gov
nhlbi.nih.gov
mayoclinic.org/symptoms-causes
cdc.gov
mayoclinic.org/diagnosis-treatment
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