Harmattan: Sickle cell patients urged to drink more water

Dr Obiageli Nnodu, Deputy Chairperson, Sickle Cell
Support Society of Nigeria, said on Monday that
sickle cell patients should drink more water and
remain warm to avoid complications of their
ailment.
Nnodu gave the advice when he spoke to the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Nnodu, who is also a Consultant Hematologist at
the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, said that
cold induces crises and complications for the
afflicted.
She said dehydration also facilitated crises and
complications in the management of the disease.
Nnodu said paying adequate attention to nutrition
and hydration would reduce complications for
sickle cell patients.
“Children identified to have Sickle Cell Disease
should be encouraged to drink a cup of water on
waking up, and frequently during the day to ensure
the yellow color of their urine becomes white,” she
said
Nnodu said that they should also be given a high-
protein diet, fruits and vegetables, noting that this
would reduce mortality and complications in
patients with sickle cell disease.
She said early diagnosis through newborn
screening remained a major prevention against the
prevalence of the disease.
She added that the Sickle Cell Support Society
advocated for massive awareness and education
on the ailment.
“Information about sickle cell disease should also
be incorporated into the primary school curriculum
so that stigma and other misconceptions about the
disease will be avoided,” Nnodu said.
She said the society in collaboration with other
stakeholders was working to provide interventions
in the prevention and management of the disease
in Nigeria.