Could Your Baby’s Pain Be Something More?

It’s not always easy to figure out what’s causing a baby’s discomfort.

In some cases, the cause is a minor irritation while in others, it’s something that needs to be dealt with quickly.

One such instance is when your baby has sickle cell disease. It’s not uncommon for parents to be unaware of their baby’s condition but according to recent data, it’s definitely something you need to pay attention to. 

While 1 in 13 African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait, 1 in 365 will have the full-blown disease. Mortality is not as dire as it used to be but there is still significant risk if your baby’s illness is not effectively treated. 

The Symptoms You Need To Know

Most children don’t show the symptoms of sickle cell disease immediately. However, they will start to show up within the first year. These include:

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• Anemia – Your baby may look pale and tired.
• Jaundice – This shows as yellowed skin, eyes, or mouth.
• Severe pain – In sickle cell disease, blood vessels get blocked and this can cause bursts of pain. 
• Swollen fingers and toes – This symptom is also related to blocked blood vessels.
• Evidence of tissue death – In extreme cases, blocked blood vessels can lead to the death of tissue.
• Issues with the lungs – Coagulated sickle cells can obstruct oxygen flow to the lungs and mimic the flu. 
• Issues with the spleen – When sickle cells get stuck, they can cause hemoglobin levels to drop and a painfully enlarged spleen. 

The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary from being mild to severe.

Worse yet, they can often look like other illnesses. If you notice any of the issues above, you should bring your baby in to be assessed. Additionally, should your baby experience any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and get to the doctor immediately. 

• A fever of 101°F (38°C) or higher
• Pain that doesn’t resolve with medicine
• Chest pain
• Severe headaches or dizziness
• Significant stomach pain or swelling
• Having trouble breathing
• Being extremely tired 
• Evidence of jaundice
• A sudden change in vision
• Seizures
• Signs of weakness or trouble moving part of the body
• Slurred speech
• Passing out
• Numbness or tingling

How Sickle Cell Disease Is Diagnosed

In many cases, hemoglobinopathy testing is part of the mandatory checks that are done on newborns. Depending on the state, though, this may not be the case. If it wasn’t done before, a hemoglobin electrophoresis blood test will be used to determine if your child has the sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. 

It’s essential that your baby is diagnosed quickly as untreated sickle cell disease can result in complications. These complications include long-term anemia, permanent lung damage, gallstones, leg ulcers, strokes, damage to the spleen, and an increased risk of getting infections. 

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Typical Treatment Options For Sickle Cell Disease

Your baby’s treatment plan may vary depending on their age and their symptoms.

The options include blood transfusions to treat issues like anemia, pain medication, and antibiotics to deal with infections.

Hydroxyurea is a medication that is specifically used to reduce the number of sickle cells in the blood. In some cases, children have been given stem cell transplants to completely address their sickle cell disease. 

Additionally, children with sickle cell disease will need to be monitored regularly so you should expect an increased number of doctor visits for check-ups. Your doctor might also recommend seeing a nutritionist so your baby can have a sickle cell-friendly diet. 

You might not always know why your baby is crying but sickle cell disease may be a real concern if you notice any of the symptoms listed here. Since the complications from this illness can be severe, it’s always best to get to the doctor as soon as possible.