Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder. That means it’s passed down through families. You’re born with sickle cell disease, It is not something you catch or develop later in life.
The disease gets its name because when you have sickle cell disease, your red blood cells look like a sickle, which is a C-shaped farm tool.
Red blood cells contain a molecule called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. In a healthy person, hemoglobin is smooth, round, and flexible. That allows red blood cells to glide easily through your bloodstream. But if you have sickle cell disease, the hemoglobin’s shape is abnormal. It forms rods that clump together. That causes red blood cells to become rigid and curved. The odd-shaped cells block blood flow. It’s dangerous, and can cause extreme pain, anemia, and other symptoms.
Join Dr. Pamela and Guest: Dr. Annette Akinsete, National Director/CEO Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria and Public Health Physician as they discuss – Sickle Cell Disease and Covid-19
