Question
Is sickle cell disease severe? My daughter is just over a month old and was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth, but has not shown any symptoms yet. Should I be concerned?
Answer
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary hemolytic disease caused by a gene mutation that controls red blood cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and it is more common in males. Patients should be aware of the appearance of hemolytic symptoms and seek timely treatment to prevent anemia and acute renal failure. It is advisable to avoid eating beans and their products, as well as using medications with oxidizing properties, such as antimalarial drugs, aspirin, vitamin K, and sulfonamide drugs. With active prevention and treatment, sickle cell disease can be managed effectively.