Medications
Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia often experience pain, though mild over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to deal with such issues. However, a medication called hydroxyurea may be necessary; it helps reduce pain caused by inadequately oxygenated blood. The drug is taken daily.
Bone Marrow Transplant
In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may prove effective in treating sickle cell anemia, though they are usually offered to young patients who have a close donor match.
Hydration
Fluids are encouraged in the treatment of sickle cell anemia because the condition causes dehydration in many individuals. Fluids are most often taken by mouth, but for those experiencing severely painful episodes, IV (intravenous) fluids may be offered at a hospital.
New Treatments
Gene therapy studies are ongoing at present to determine whether normal genes inserted into the bone marrow of individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia may prove beneficial. Studies are also underway to further study the defective gene which causes sickle cell anemia to determine if alterations can be made in the gene to disable their ability to develop, multiply and grow.
The use of gene therapy is one of the newest and most promising avenues of sickle cell anemia treatment. Gene therapy focuses on placing unmutated copies of the hemoglobin gene into a sickle cell anemia patient's bone marrow for the transplanted gene to take the place of the mutant gene. Research is also being conducted on the possibility of using cell signals to turn off the production of the defective hemoglobin gene while simultaneously triggering the production of the correct form of hemoglobin.
Older treatments
In the past several decades, sickle cell anemia has been treated in a number of ways. Most attempt to bring the symptoms of the condition under control. These include the use of medications, such as hydroxyurea and pain-relief drugs, red blood cell transfusions and the use of an oxygen mask to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, bone marrow transplantation can, in some cases, cure an individual of the disease, but the procedure is expensive, highly risky and has a high failure rate.
Drug treatments
Three drugs are becoming increasingly used as sickle cell anemia treatments. They are clotrimazole, butyric acid and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas, and its presence is thought to prevent abnormal sickle-shaped red blood cells from sticking together and blocking blood vessels. Clotrimazole is an antifungal drug that seems to prevent red blood cells from becoming as likely to take on the abnormal crescent-shape characteristic of sickle cell anemia. Butyric acid may induce the production of structurally normal hemoglobin.
Foods with Iron
Eat a balanced diet filled with iron-rich foods if you have sickle cell anemia. Foods in all major food groups contain iron. Sandra Luthringer, registered dietitian at The Regional Cancer Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, says high-protein foods such as red meat, liver, tuna fish, shellfish, egg yolks, beans and peas contain iron. Other foods include iron-fortified cereals, oatmeal, cream of wheat, leafy green vegetables, dried fruits, prune juice and molasses. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says folic acid in leafy greens helps the body produce more red blood cells.
Vitamin-C Rich
Fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C, help with sickle cell anemia treatments because they assist in iron absorption. Luthringer says these foods include citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit, tomatoes and tomato juice, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwi fruit, green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower. Take vitamin C supplements only if your doctor recommends it. Otherwise, get the majority of your vitamins from your diet. The water content in these foods also decreases dehydration, a condition that causes pain in sickle cell anemia sufferers.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods, even healthy foods, inhibit iron absorption and should be limited or avoided because they interfere with sickle cell anemia treatment. The fibers and phytates in whole-grain cereals and bread obstruct iron absorption. Calcium and phosphorus in dairy products limit iron absorption. Avoid or limit coffee or tea because they limit iron absorption and don't hydrate as well as water.
Importance of Diet
A balanced diet helps people with sickle cell anemia manage their condition. According to Drs. Lewis Hsu and William Muller on DrSpock.com, a healthy diet helps children with sickle cell anemia avoid obesity, which can exacerbate the condition, and prevents illnesses. Sickle cell anemia sufferers have greater risks of developing heart disease, cancer, strokes and diabetes as they get older, and a healthy diet serves as a preventive measure
