other types of chronic disease as well so it’s important not to ignore it.
5. Issues with your spleen
As mentioned previously, red blood cells can become deformed and affect overall blood flow in the body. This reduced blood flow can have a particular effect on your spleen known as an infarction or ischemia. While the reduced blood flow can be temporary, long-lasting issues such as the death of tissues in the organ can occur.
While the correlation is not quite clear, people with the sickle cell trait may also have trouble with the breakdown of their muscle tissue as well as a higher risk of developing a rare form of kidney cancer.
RELATED: Sickle Trait Tied to Higher Kidney Failure Risk for Blacks
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Why It’s Important To Get Tested
Even if you’ve been living without symptoms, it’s possible for the sickle cell trait to affect your health without you knowing. Your doctor might not prescribe medication for you right away but at least they’ll know to perform certain check-ups regularly to make sure you’re still okay.
It’s also helpful information if you plan on having children. If you have the sickle cell trait, there is a 50% chance that you’ll pass it on to your children.
When two people with the trait have children, there’s also a 25% chance that their children will have full-blown sickle cell disease. By knowing what to expect, you can be prepared for getting your children tested and getting them the help they need.
Of the thousands of people who are diagnosed with the sickle cell trait, many of them are Blacks.
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While it’s possible to have the trait without any symptoms, there are times when the disorder can flare up. By paying attention to your body, you can know if you’re one of the people who need to get checked out for the sickle cell trait.
