King Saud Medical City clarified that sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that results in a lack of oxygen in the body, which slows down or prevents the transfer of blood and oxygen to the body.
The city provided a number of tips to prevent sickle cell anemia, most notably the commitment to a comprehensive medical examination before marriage, and to consult a doctor before becoming pregnant if one of the spouses is a carrier of the disease.
It also reviewed a set of tips for people with sickle cell anemia; Including drinking sufficient amounts of water, and exercising regularly to reduce exposure to pain attacks, as well as avoiding exposure to extreme heat or cold.
She recommended patients with sickle cell anemia to rest, avoid daily stress, take folic acid, which helps treat cases of anemia, and take medications only with a prescription.