Body Systems affected by Sickle Cell:
Circulatory System:
-Instead of moving through the bloodstream
easily, these sickle cells can clog blood vessels and deprive the body's tissues
and organs of the oxygen they need to stay healthy.
-sickle cells can attack
red blood cells and white blood cells. Red are the cells that carry the oxygen
throughout your body, white blood cells help fight against disease and illness.
Respiratory System
-Lungs are also affected by sickle cell anemia.
-According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, acute chest
syndrome occurs when sickle cells become trapped in the chest, blocking the flow
of blood and oxygen to the lungs. -This causes pneumonia, fever, pain and severe
coughing. It can also lead to permanent damage to the lungs.
-Cellular
respiration, or delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body, is also affected by
sickle cell anemia because oxygen-carrying blood flow is blocked or reduced.
This leads to slowed growth and development and decreased metabolism and energy
levels.
-cells need a constant supply of oxygen which helps them get rid of
carbon dioxide waste
-the sickle cells can become caught in the blood vessels
in your lungs which also help with breathing. By getting the sickle cells stuck
in your vessels, you may experience chest pains and short breaths.
Vascular System:
-The vascular system of blood vessels transports blood to every cell in the body.
-Sickle cells are stiff and stick to each other and the walls of the vessels. This causes the vessels to become narrower and can cause blockage.
-Reduced flow of oxygen and blood to the brain can cause permanent damage.
Immune System:
- This system is directly affected by the sickle cell anemia because immune cells reach their target areas through the blood flow.
- Sickle cells block or reduce blood flow, which decreases the delivery of oxygen as well as the germ-fighting immune cells to parts of the body. This can lead to increased infections, skin ulcers, illness and slow healing.
-The spleen is an important immune system organ, and damage to the spleen or removal of the spleen increases the risk of infection in the body, particularly in children.