Home Care in Boca Raton FL
National Sickle Cell Month takes place in September as a way to educate the public on this disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines sickle cell disease as “a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.” Normal red blood cells are able to move through the blood vessels with ease, but the red blood cells of someone with sickle cell disease have a much different texture. They are stickier, firmer, and have a C shape instead of a round shape like normal red blood cells.
Since these abnormal red blood cells have a hard time navigating through the blood vessels, these cells die earlier, leaving the body with a shortage of these blood cells. There are over 70 million Americans suffering from this disease. Older adults with sickle cell disease may need a home care provider because their symptoms make it too difficult to do their daily tasks. This serious health condition usually first develops in infants, but can also affect adults.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary from person to person, but the ones that are usually tell-tale signs of sickle cell disease include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Constantly feeling fatigued and weak
- Cold feet and hands
- Jaundice
- Extremely pale skin and mucous membranes
- Pain in the abdomen, lungs, joints, or bones
Complications
With a weakened immune system and lack of resistance to chronic illnesses, older adults have more complications than children or young adults. However, being prepared for the types of complications your loved one is at risk for will give you and them a better chance of defeating it if it happens.
- Acute chest syndrome. Adults with sickle cell anemia may have an injured lung. This injury is acute chest syndrome. It is caused when the sickle cells or bone marrow fat block the blood vessels in the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and an abnormal chest x-ray.
- Stroke. When a blood vessel in the brain ruptures as a result of sickle cells damaging or blocking the blood vessels in the brain.
- Organ failure. This is a rare complication, but can be fatal. It can happen if the elder is suffering from an intense amount of pain. Some of the symptoms are a rapid heartbeat, labored breath, fever, and decline in mental health.
Your loved one may be at risk for other complications and can find out more about them through their doctor.
Treatment
Once someone develops this disease, they will have it for life. That being said, there are ways to manage it so that the symptoms do not interfere with everyday living. The treatment their doctor will recommend will depend on their symptoms, the severity of their condition, and if any complications have occurred. Some of the most common treatments are:
- Blood transfusions
- Surgery
- Kidney dialysis
- Pain medications
- Fluids
Sickle cell disease is a life-threatening health condition, so make sure to educate yourself and your loved one in order to be prepared for what to expect.
If you or a family member are in need of home care in Boca Raton, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
http://www.upmc.com/Services/sickle-cell/conditions/Pages/sickle-cell-disease.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html
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