Sickle Cell not a death sentence, expert says
A Consultant Hematologist with the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs) Chilota Efobi, has said that people living with sickle cell disorder can live a crisis-free life up to old age if properly taken care of. She said sickle cell disease is not a death sentence, advising parents to […]
A Consultant Hematologist with the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs) Chilota Efobi, has said that people living with sickle cell disorder can live a crisis-free life up to old age if properly taken care of.
She said sickle cell disease is not a death sentence, advising parents to go for the genotype of their children early enough so as to start managing the ailment on time.
Presenting a lead paper titled, “People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Improving the Quality of Life”, during the 2017 World Sickle Cell Day, Efobi said sicklers should be made to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration which can result to crisis.
"Sufferers should be made to regularly take medicines that prevent malaria, as malaria causes shortage of blood; should visit care-givers always as against patronizing quacks; should be made to take folic acid for life, should avoid extreme weather conditions, and should avoid both physical and emotional stresses.
“Sickle cell disorder is not a death sentence. Persons living with the ailment can live their lives to the fullest. They can live up till their old age if the situation is managed as advised by care givers” she stressed.