How Does Age Affect Sickle Cell?

Growing up with sickle cell disease may seem like a never-ending battle. It can get rough, from constant blood transfusions to the overwhelming fatigue you feel daily. But, by the end of this article, you will have an idea of what to expect, along with some tips on fighting it.   RELATED: Sickle Cell Disease and Blood Transfusion: What You Should Know At What Age Will You First Notice Sickle Cell? Although sickle cell is present at birth, most infants will start to show symptoms around five or six months. Parents may notice that their children’s hands are slightly more swollen than usual, and their eyes show a hint of yellow, indicating jaundice. Ouch! That can be hard for a newborn, but parents can act fast and make most of the pain instantly disappear. Doctors can introduce many forms of antibiotics and vaccinations to help fight the chronic disease. Early detection is super important, so make sure your newborn gets all the tests run on them before you leave the hospital. In fact, if doctors catch the disease early, there is a 90 percent chance that sickle cell patients will live well into adulthood. RELATED: Day 1: Just Been Diagnosed with...