Sickle cell is a type of condition that affects a person’s red blood cells. Someone who has sickle cell disease produces unusually shaped red blood cells, causing the cells to not live as long in comparison to healthy blood cells and can block blood vessels.
This condition is usually detected during pregnancy or soon after a child is born but it is a lifelong health condition which causes painful crises, anaemia and an increased risk of serious infections.
Those who are living with sickle cell disease must take precautions to avoid the risk of triggering a pain crisis. These precautions include:
- Staying hydrated – particularly in hot weather. Alcohol should also be avoided to reduce the risk of dehydration.
- Avoiding very high or very low temperatures – including sudden temperature change
- Although travelling on a plane should not be a problem due to pressurised air, maintain a steady oxygen level and high altitudes should be avoided
- Excessive exercise and smoking that can cause someone with sickle cell to be out of breath, can also trigger a crisis
- Reducing stress levels
- Reducing the risk of infections like food poisoning by washing hands more frequently, cooking food thoroughly and storing food correctly.
With all the precautions those with sickle cell must take, life can be extremely difficult. Here at MAC Clinical Research, we are running a clinical trial to learn more about how a potential new drug for treating sickle cell symptoms, affects the body and how the body processes it.
If you are aged between 18 and 60 with a diagnosis of sickle cell, you could be eligible for our trial. For more information and to register your interest visit: https://researchforyou.co.uk/study-1-sickle-cell/
