The Awareness of Sickle Cell and Beta Thalassemia

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The Awareness of Sickle Cell and Beta Thalassemia Sickle Cell is an inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells. The hemoglobin in people with sickle cell is abnormal (Borgna-Pignatti 101). In order to have sickle cell disease, a person must inherit the disease from both parents. When the red blood cells sickle, they block blood flow throughout blood vessels. Blocked blood flow can cause damage to organs, pain attacks, or death. Sickle cell is most common in African Americans and Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry. 1 in every 400 African Americans has sickle cell (Borgna-Pignatti 104). There are different types of sickle cell: Sickle cell Anemia and Sickle Cell Trait. Sickle cell Anemia is a genetic disorder also inherited by both parents. 1 of 600 is born with Sickle Cell Anemia (Braithwaite, Taylor 193). Sickle cell trait means the carrier only inherited one gene, therefore, its not considered a disorder. The trait carrier is more resistant to infections. Sickle Cell in athletes has become a major problem in the past seven years, simply because coaches do not know the dangers of this disease. Athletes, like myself, have to maintain a specific workout limit to prevent complications. When an athlete with SCD or SCT does an excessive workout one can experience over exertion. Over exertion is the dryness of the mouth, abdominal pain, light headedness, dizziness, and change in color of the hands. While an athlete is over exerting, they cells are doing what they call “extreme sickling”. In 2001, Devard Darling lost his twin brother due to complications from sickle cell trait. He died while practicing football. He died before his 19th birthday (“Athletes Collapsing From Sickle Cell Trait” 2). Many of these tragedies happen mostly in football and basketball. One would think that people would make it a priority to be more cautious but

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