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Sickle Cell Disease: Understanding This Invisible Disease

🩸 Sickle cell disease: understanding this invisible disease

Sickle cell disease is the most widespread genetic disease in the world , but also one of the least understood . In France, it mainly affects people from Africa , the West Indies , the Middle East or India . However, it remains too often invisible , misunderstood , and even less taken into account when it concerns women .

Today, Maholi invites you to take a kind and informed look at this disease, to discover its symptoms , its daily impacts and to explore avenues for natural relief.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder . It is caused by an abnormality in hemoglobin , the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells . In a person with sickle cell disease, red blood cells become sickle -shaped (instead of round), making them stiff , fragile , and likely to block blood flow.

It is a hereditary condition. In France, nearly 500 births per year are affected.

Symptoms of sickle cell disease: a painful daily life

Among the symptoms of sickle cell disease , painful crises are the most common. These acute pains, called " vaso-occlusive crises ," occur when sickle-shaped red blood cells block small blood vessels . This causes chronic , intense , and debilitating pain, often in the bones , joints , or abdomen .

But that's not all: anemia, frequent infections, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, jaundice... the complications are numerous, and their intensity varies from one individual to another. In women , the disease is sometimes aggravated by hormonal cycles , pregnancy or menstruation .

Black Women & Health: A Double Invisibility

Sickle cell disease primarily affects people of African descent . This means that Black women are doubly affected: by racial prejudice in health ( Mediterranean syndrome ), and by the invisibility of women's pain. In France, they are still too often ignored, minimized, or even misdiagnosed.

Fortunately, groups like Mwasi are working to give voice to those affected and raise awareness about these realities. This group of committed women supports Black and racialized women, particularly in matters of health. 💜

Natural prevention: additional avenues

Although there is currently no cure for sickle cell disease, certain natural solutions can prevent certain crises:

  • Maximum hydration : essential to prevent attacks
  • Quality rest and sleep : to support an exhausted body
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition : favor fruits, vegetables, omega-3, and limit pro-inflammatory foods
  • Meditation, gentle yoga, breathing : to reduce stress, often a trigger for attacks

Conclusion: make it visible to provide better care

Sickle cell disease is an invisible disease to many, but it is very real for those who live with it every day. By talking about it, listening to testimonies, supporting initiatives like Mwasi , and highlighting natural solutions , we are contributing to greater recognition of this disease.

Do you know someone who's affected? Feel free to share this article. Together, let's spread the word, break the silence, and take care of each and every one of our health.

💬 FAQ – Sickle Cell Disease

Is sickle cell disease contagious?
No. It is a genetic disease, therefore not transmissible by contact.

Is there a treatment?
There is no cure, but treatments can prevent attacks and improve quality of life.

What is the link between sickle cell disease and Black women?
The disease is more common among people from sub-Saharan Africa, hence a high prevalence among black women in France, with specific health issues.

Sources:

To go further: we advise you to follow Instagram accounts such as that of Drepacare , an association which offers the 1st mobile application for sickle cell patients as well as the account of Melissa , an expert patient who lives with the disease.

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