Treatment

          Although there is not yet a cure for sickle cell anemia, there are many treatments available for its symptoms. The treatments available are used to alleviate the pain, ward off infections, organ malfunction, and strokes. The treatments can also prevent further complications of sickle cell anemia, if they were to occur. Fortunately, there are a small number of people with sickle cell anemia that are able to be cured with the blood and marrow stem cell transplants. The doctors who specialize in the disease are Hematologists, or blood specialists.

          Additionally, infants who are diagnosed through newborn screenings can be treated with antibiotics to help prevent further infections. The antibiotics used for treatment have positively impacted the outcome for these children.

          Depending on the severity of the pain you have, there are several options of medications to use. The typical treatments are pain medications and fluids. If your oxygen level is low it is possible to receive oxygen therapy. If the pain is harsher, you may want to be treated in a day clinic, emergency room, or hospital. For mild pain there are over the counter medicines such as, heating pads and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol). For more severe pain stronger medication may be needed. A stronger medication option is opioids. If you are interested in these drugs talk with your medical provider about receiving them and the associated risks and benefits of taking them.

          For severe sickle cell anemia you can get treated with hydroxyurea medication. This medication is used to have your body make fetal hemoglobin. Fetal hemoglobin is known as Hemoglobin F and is the kind of hemoglobin newborns have. The Hemoglobin F is used to prevent red blood cells from sickling and improves anemia. The medication is given daily and reduces the painful pain crises, and acute chest syndrome occurrence. Taking hydroxyurea causes you to need fewer blood transfusions and less hospital visits. Today, doctors are studying the long-term affects of hydroxyurea. Studies have shown that the hydroxyurea can help improve growth and preserve organ function in children, but this has not been proven 100 percent. If interested in hydroxyurea and have a severe sickle cell anemia condition talk to your medical provider.