Protecting Your Baby with Sickle Cell Anemia on the Central Coast

Routine screening and effective treatment helps many babies, children, and adults who have sickle cell anemia on the Central Coast of California. This fetal condition is passed down when both parents pass on a sickle cell anemia gene to their baby.

Dignity Health Central Coast doctors have particular expertise in preventing and treating sickle cell anemia with care, dignity, and respect. Find a Doctor today who can help you through family planning, pregnancy, and understanding your baby’s condition.

Caring for Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms at Dignity Health Central Coast

Fortunately, your doctor can detect most sickle cell anemia cases before your baby shows any signs. Your doctor will help you understand sickle cell anemia’s definition as a genetic condition that causes your baby’s body to produce compromised hemoglobin that lacks essential oxygen in blood. Sickle cell anemia causes your baby’s hemoglobin to have c-shaped and sticky red blood cells rather than round and flexible normal cells.

Due to the nature of your baby’s blood, it does not flow as easily and can lead to blockages in the blood vessels. In addition, these faulty cells die off quicker, leading to low red blood cell count, or anemia.

Dignity Health Central Coast doctors recommend that you watch for these sickle cell anemia symptoms if your child may have inherited this condition:

• Anemia
• Lack of energy
• Severe and chronic pain
• Problems with eyesight
• Swelling in your child’s feet or hands
• Delayed growth and developmental milestone
• Jaundice that causes your child’s eyes and skins to have a yellowish tone

Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment for Symptom Relief

Our doctors offer compassionate care when developing a sickle cell anemia treatment plan for your child. Preventing complications and symptom relief can help protect your child’s health and well-being. Among our most common sickle cell anemia treatments on the Central Coast are:

• Blood transfusions for anemia
• Medications to ease your child’s pain and prevent infection
• Immunizations to prevent infection, which is a concern for children with sickle cell anemia
• Regular medical care that includes sickle cell anemia treatment for issues with learning, vision, and circulation

You, your child, and your family will work closely with you so that you have a complete understanding of your child’s condition, needs, and treatment options. To talk with a doctor who specializes in sickle cell anemia treatment, reach out to Dignity Health Central Coast.

Find effective treatment for sickle cell anemia on the Central Coast at Dignity Health