University of People HS 3210-01 - AY2024-T3 Learning Journal Unit 2 14 Feb, 2024
Topic Category: Anemia Diseases Selected: Sickle Cell Anemia and Iron-deficiency Anemia Sickle Cell Anemia Due to a hereditary abnormality inherited from both parents, sickle cell anemia primarily affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian origin. Severe pain flare-ups, hand and foot edema, and heightened infection susceptibility are among the symptoms. Blood tests to find aberrant hemoglobin and genetic testing to validate the sickle cell gene are commonly used in the diagnosis process. Blood transfusions to improve oxygen supply, pain management during crises, and drugs like hydroxyurea to lessen the frequency of uncomfortable episodes and problems are some of the treatment options for sickle cell anemia that are aimed at controlling symptoms and avoiding complications. Furthermore, regular medical monitoring and supportive care are crucial elements of complete management for those with sickle cell anemia (National Institutes of Health, 2023). Iron-deficiency Anemia All age groups are prone to iron deficiency anemia, but children, pregnant women, and elderly persons are more likely to have it. Deficiencies in dietary iron intake, prolonged menstrual blood loss or gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy, gastrointestinal illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, and other medical conditions are common risk factors. Fatigue,
weakness, pale complexion, headaches, dizziness, cold extremities, brittle nails, and strange cravings (pica) are common symptoms. Blood tests to measure iron status markers such as ferritin and hemoglobin levels, combined with further tests to determine underlying reasons, are required for diagnosis. The mainstays of treatment are dietary changes to increase iron intake and iron supplements. Achieving effective management of iron-deficiency anemia requires addressing chronic blood loss or underlying medical conditions (American Society of Hematology. , n.d.) Insufficient iron Anemia is the result of the body not having enough iron to make hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. One common cause is an inadequate intake of iron through diet, especially in people whose diets are poor in items high in iron, such as fish, poultry, red meat, and leafy green vegetables. Anemia can also result from chronic blood loss, which is frequently caused by diseases such as gastrointestinal ulcers, severe menstrual bleeding, or repeated blood transfusions. These disorders also deplete iron storage. A further aggravating factor to the deficit might be impaired iron absorption, which is observed in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Mutations in the hemoglobin-producing HBB gene are the cause of sickle cell anemia. The creation of hemoglobin S, an aberrant form of hemoglobin, is the outcome of these genetic changes. Hemoglobin S molecules can polymerize in low oxygen or dehydration conditions, resulting in the development of stiff, sickle-shaped red blood cells. These aberrant cells tend to block blood flow in vessels, which can lead to tissue damage, discomfort, and other sickle cell disease consequences. In addition, sickle cells live shorter lives than normal red blood cells, which adds to the chronic hemolytic anemia that sickle cell anemia sufferers