News
October 04, 2025
NHS alert over often symptomless 'trait' that may be serious if inherited by children
Having sickle cell disease is different from carrying a sickle cell trait - here is what you need to know
**NHS alert over often symptomless 'trait' that may be serious if inherited by children**
The National Health Service (NHS) is raising awareness about sickle cell trait, a condition that usually presents no symptoms in those who carry it, but can pose significant health risks to their offspring if both parents are carriers. While sickle cell disease, a serious inherited blood disorder, is well-known, the distinction between having the disease and carrying the trait is crucial for prospective parents.
Sickle cell trait means a person has inherited one gene for sickle cell from one parent and a normal gene from the other. These individuals typically live normal, healthy lives without experiencing any of the symptoms associated with sickle cell disease. They are carriers, meaning they can pass the sickle cell gene on to their children.
Sickle cell disease, on the other hand, occurs when a child inherits two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. This leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, hindering their ability to flow smoothly through blood vessels. This can lead to a range of serious health problems, including severe pain episodes (known as sickle cell crises), anemia, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections.
The NHS alert focuses on the importance of understanding your sickle cell status, particularly for individuals planning to start a family. If both parents are carriers of the sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child will inherit sickle cell disease. There is also a 50% chance the child will inherit the sickle cell trait and a 25% chance they will inherit two normal genes and not have sickle cell trait or disease.
The NHS encourages individuals, especially those of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent, to get tested for sickle cell trait. A simple blood test can determine if someone carries the gene. Knowing your status allows for informed decision-making and access to genetic counseling, empowering couples to understand the risks and explore available options, such as prenatal testing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Early diagnosis and comprehensive care are vital for managing sickle cell disease and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. The NHS emphasizes that awareness and proactive testing are key to safeguarding the health of future generations.
The National Health Service (NHS) is raising awareness about sickle cell trait, a condition that usually presents no symptoms in those who carry it, but can pose significant health risks to their offspring if both parents are carriers. While sickle cell disease, a serious inherited blood disorder, is well-known, the distinction between having the disease and carrying the trait is crucial for prospective parents.
Sickle cell trait means a person has inherited one gene for sickle cell from one parent and a normal gene from the other. These individuals typically live normal, healthy lives without experiencing any of the symptoms associated with sickle cell disease. They are carriers, meaning they can pass the sickle cell gene on to their children.
Sickle cell disease, on the other hand, occurs when a child inherits two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. This leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, hindering their ability to flow smoothly through blood vessels. This can lead to a range of serious health problems, including severe pain episodes (known as sickle cell crises), anemia, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections.
The NHS alert focuses on the importance of understanding your sickle cell status, particularly for individuals planning to start a family. If both parents are carriers of the sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child will inherit sickle cell disease. There is also a 50% chance the child will inherit the sickle cell trait and a 25% chance they will inherit two normal genes and not have sickle cell trait or disease.
The NHS encourages individuals, especially those of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent, to get tested for sickle cell trait. A simple blood test can determine if someone carries the gene. Knowing your status allows for informed decision-making and access to genetic counseling, empowering couples to understand the risks and explore available options, such as prenatal testing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Early diagnosis and comprehensive care are vital for managing sickle cell disease and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. The NHS emphasizes that awareness and proactive testing are key to safeguarding the health of future generations.
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