A thirteen-year-old girl, who is underdeveloped and thin, has a blood disorder. She frequently experiences chest and abdominal pain, fever, and coughing, and has trouble breathing. Her teachers often spend additional time with her, explaining concepts that the rest of the class is familiar with, as she tires very easily and is able to concentrate only for short spans of time.
• Identify the blood disorder that she might be suffering from.
• Describe in detail the symptoms of this blood disorder.
• Explain the difference in the cells of this girl and a person who does not suffer from the disorder.
To determine the blood disorder that the thirteen-year-old girl might be suffering from, it is important to consider her symptoms. Based on the symptoms mentioned, the blood disorder that is commonly associated with these symptoms is sickle cell disease (also known as sickle cell anemia).
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. This disorder primarily affects individuals of African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or Indian descent.
The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary in severity, but commonly include:
1. Chest and abdominal pain: This is caused by the sickled red blood cells getting trapped and blocking the flow of blood, leading to tissue damage and pain, particularly in the chest and abdomen.
2. Fever: Infections are more likely to occur in individuals with sickle cell disease due to the impaired function of the immune system.
3. Coughing and trouble breathing: Sickle cells can block the small blood vessels in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing and, in severe cases, acute chest syndrome.
4. Fatigue and decreased concentration: Reduced oxygen transport by the sickled cells can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased stamina.
In individuals with sickle cell disease, the red blood cells undergo a structural change, becoming sickle-shaped instead of their normal round shape. These sickle-shaped cells are prone to getting stuck in blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Compared to individuals without the disorder, the sickled cells are less flexible and more fragile, leading to a higher likelihood of blockages and hemolysis (premature breakdown of red blood cells).
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management of sickle cell disease as treatment options, including medications, pain management, and blood transfusions, are available to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.