In addition to obtaining routine medical care, a family may want their child to be followed by a physician or a clinic with expertise in sickle cell disease. Research is being done to identify drugs that can reduce the frequency of pain crises. The interface between health professionals and individuals with sickle cell anemia. Individuals with sickle cell anemia have the normal range of intelligence and are expected to lead normal and productive lives. Occupational and physical therapists and psychologists are often involved in rehabilitation of affected individuals following strokes and illnesses.
Dietary management is important for management of failure to thrive and during long illnesses.
Because sickle cell is a chronic disease, a number of psychosocial problems can develop. Families may benefit from referral to parent support groups and networking with other families with similar conditions. Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues . Family members and professionals need to address the benefits and risks of genetic testing, possible stigmatization of carriers, confidentiality of results, and the potential for genetic discrimination by life and medical insurance companies.