Safaa Eldeeb*

Pediatrician, Jeddah, KSA

*Corresponding Author: Safaa Eldeeb, Pediatrician, Jeddah, KSA.

Received: January 27, 2021; Published: February 25, 2021

  Sickle cell disease is a complicated disease, so it is crucial to visit the doctor for routine health checkups, to help in reducing the number of troubles that may need emergent medical referral. There are some methods to be careful of:

• Drink a lot of fluids: Dehydration can increase the hazard of a sickle crisis, so get enough amount of water.
• Sleep: Getting enough sleep would help.
• Eat healthy: Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains are very important.
• Exercise: Being active can help reduce the risk of the crisis.
• Take Up to date vaccines: It is significantly important to get all routine vaccines, including the yearly flu shot, pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines. Common infections, like the common cold, can become hazardous if there is SCD.

• Extreme hot or cold temperature: Any swift changes in temperature, could trigger a crisis.
• High altitude: Shortage of oxygen at high altitudes could cause a crisis. (Airplanes, because they are pressurized, would not be a trouble).
• Smoking: This can produce a lung condition known as acute chest syndrome. This is once sickle cells stick all together and prevent oxygen from getting inside the lungs.
• Contaminations and infections: Common sicknesses can be very dangerous for those with SCD. Washing hands prior to eating or after using the toilet.
• Stress: It is difficult to avoid, but stressful state can initiate a crisis, so try to find time to rest or learn practices that help your child calm down.
• Intense physical effort: Though it is good to get reasonable exercise, very severe activities that are tiring should be prevented.

If your child has Sickle cell disease, you need to support them to enjoy a normal life. There are methods that you can offer support:

• Identify indicators of crisis: You could be capable to know when your child is about to have a crisis. Understanding the signs can help you cope with crises rapidly or possibly prevent them from occurring again.
• Offer a support system: Be aware of symptoms, be arranged, and make grants when necessary when SCD impacts appear.
• Assist with pain relief: Take an effective role in alleviating pain. This could mean giving a massage, getting a heat pad, or using compresses. You may help your child with breathing exercises or other techniques to enable them to relax.
• Reach out to support services: Parents of children with SCD have support groups that you may think about joining. There are also social workers and mental health clinicians that can help families deal with the diagnosis.
• Keep your child’s teachers informed: Make sure that schoolteachers, day-care personnel and other people who are assigned to your child’s nursing know why they may need more numerous water breaks, toilet breaks. The CDC has published a booklet for teachers on how to help students who have sickle cell disease.

Be aware of potential complications caused by SCD. If your child has any of the following, get medical care immediately:

• Fever of 38 or greater
• Pain in the chest
• Acute pain
• Headache, unsteadiness or stiff neck
• Attack of seizure
• Swelling in abdomen
• Loss of sensation or movement
• Difficult breathing
• Problems in vision [1-3].