2023-06-26 23:34:21
If you still do not know what sickle cell anemia consists of, we encourage you to read this post where you can find all the information related to this disease. Although if you already know what it is but want to know how it is diagnosed, we will explain it to you below.
Blood test is the main way of diagnosing sickle cell anemia
A blood test can check for a type of hemoglobin that exists from sickle cell anemia. In the United States, for example, this blood test is part of routine newborn screening. Although older children and adults can also test.
If you or your child both have sickle cell disease, your doctor may suggest other tests to check for possible complications of the disease. If you or your child do not carry the sickle cell gene, you will likely be referred to a genetic counselor.
Treatment may include medications and blood transfusions
Through a special ultrasound machine, children who are at higher risk of having a stroke can be identified. This is a painless test that uses sound waves to measure blood flow in the brain and can be used in children as young as two years old. Regular blood transfusions can reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Regarding the treatment of sickle cell anemia, it is usually aimed at avoiding episodes of pain, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Regarding the treatments, they can include medicines and blood transfusions. For some children and adolescents, a stem cell transplant may actually cure the disease.
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