Did you know that sickle cell disease affects around 100,000 Americans? It is a common genetic disorder that changes your red blood cells into rigid, crescent shapes, which hinders their flow and causes problems. It has no cure, but with lifestyle changes and medications, you can manage the condition and live a better life. Learn what causes sickle cell disease and ways to improve your life with sickle cell disease in this article. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.
Living with Sickle Cell Disease
If you’re living with sickle cell disease, you should focus on following your treatment and lifestyle changes to manage the disease and improve quality of life. For this, you need to do the following:
- Lifestyle changes:
Certain lifestyle changes in your life can help you prevent or lower the risk of pain crises due to sickle cell disease, like:
- Stay hydrated: This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage sickle cell pain. Dehydration can make blood thicken, which makes it easier to turn into sickle-shaped red blood cells that block blood flow. When you stay hydrated, it helps blood flow better and prevents blockages. It also lowers the risk of crises. That’s why you should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, and if the weather is hot or you engage in physical activity, you need to drink more fluids. However, avoid sugary drinks like sodas because they can dehydrate you.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Both cold and hot temperatures can increase the risk of sickle cell crisis. In cold weather, blood vessels constrict, which makes it difficult for blood to flow and may even lead to blockages. In hot weather, it causes dehydration, which triggers pain. That’s why you need to take special care of your body. Make sure you dress properly according to the weather. Avoid extreme air conditioning temperatures and carry a water bottle with you all the time to stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
- Stay active, but don’t overexert: It’s important to stay active to keep your body fit; however, overexertion can trigger a sickle cell crisis. That’s why you should stay physically active in a way that helps you improve your blood circulation and keep your body in good shape. To do that, make sure you engage in moderate exercise, avoid too much physical exertion, and listen to your body signs to know when to stop. Before starting any exercise routine, make sure you consult with your doctor to ensure it is safe for your health.
- Manage stress effectively: Any type of stress can increase the risk of a sickle cell crisis and worsen the pain associated with a crisis. You need to learn ways to manage stress effectively, like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, etc., to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
- Eating a balanced diet: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet plays an essential role in managing the condition. Certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help boost your immune system, maintain energy levels, and prevent complications. Make sure you talk to your doctor or nutritionist to get a meal plan that supports your health and condition.
- Take precautions to protect yourself from infections: You need to be careful of infections like the flu because they can be a threat to children with sickle cell disease. So, make sure they wash their hands with water and soap frequently and get vaccinations on time to prevent infections.
- Medications:
Typically, doctors prescribe pain relievers like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids to manage severe pain. In cases of pain crises, based on their symptoms and severity of the disease, some of the approved medications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are prescribed as follows:
- Hydroxyurea
- L-glutamine
- Crizanlizumab
- Home remedies:
Besides lifestyle changes and medications, some home remedies can help manage painful episodes of sickle cell disease, such as warm baths, heating pads, and gentle massages.
Causes of sickle cell crisis
Typically, a sickle cell crisis occurs when sickle-shaped red blood cells block the oxygen-rich blood flow inside the vessels, which leads to pain, swelling, and discomfort in different parts of the body. It mostly occurs in the bones, joints, and organs. The painful episodes are called sickle cell crises, which last from a few hours to several days. In some cases, individuals need to be hospitalized.
Some most common factors that trigger a sickle cell crisis are:
- Dehydration: Lack of fluids in the body makes the blood thicker, making it harder to flow smoothly.
- Infections: Illnesses or infections can cause inflammation in the body, which triggers a crisis.
- Extreme temperatures: Both extreme heat and cold affect blood circulation in a way that triggers a crisis.
- Stress: Any type of stress, whether physical or emotional, can trigger a painful episode.
When to go to a doctor?
While many sickle cell crises are manageable at home, there are times when medical intervention is needed. If the pain becomes unmanageable or persists for longer periods, then you should seek immediate medical attention. You should look out for signs like:
- Severe, unwavering pain
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Signs of stroke like slurred speech, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body.
- High fever or signs of infection
Living with sickle cell disease can be difficult because the crisis episodes can be very painful and increase the risk of complications. However, following the above-mentioned strategies can help prevent those crisis episodes and improve the quality of life.
Need help with sickle cell disease? Visit our hematologists in the Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Callus to book your appointment now!!! If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
