What is sickle-cell disease?
Q: What is sickle-cell disease?
A: Sickle-cell disease is a genetic disease that affects red blood cells, changing them from flexible disks into rigid crescents.
Q: How does sickle-cell disease affect the body?
A: When many red blood cells take on the sickle shape, veins can become blocked, causing damage to many organs. The damage increases over time and can lead to an early death.
Q: What causes sickle-cell disease?
A: Sickle-cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells.
Q: Can sickle-cell disease be cured?
A: There is currently no cure for sickle-cell disease, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and complications of the disease.
Q: How is sickle-cell disease diagnosed?
A: Sickle-cell disease is typically diagnosed through a blood test that measures the amount of abnormal hemoglobin in the blood.
Q: Is sickle-cell disease contagious?
A: No, sickle-cell disease is not contagious. It is an inherited condition that is passed down from parents to their children.
Q: Can sickle-cell disease be prevented?
A: While sickle-cell disease cannot be prevented, prenatal screening and genetic counseling can help parents make informed decisions about having children and managing the disease.
