The condition can result in chronic pain for patients, who are typically prescribed opioids.
Exact projections remain unknown, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that between 70,000 and 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease. The disease causes a deficit in red blood cells and blocks blood flow throughout the body.
This can result in chronic pain, with patients typically prescribed opioids, despite potential side effects like addiction, constipation and respiratory depression.
– Read the entire article at Regina Leader-Post.