Sickle Cell Disease: Home Treatment for Priapism
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Home treatment for
sickle cell disease includes steps you can take to
control some of the complications caused by the disease. Develop a plan with
your doctor for home treatment of symptoms, and follow this plan as symptoms
occur.
Priapism is a condition in which the penis stays erect
without sexual stimulation. Priapism is usually painful. If
priapism occurs, remember these home treatment tips:footnote 1
- Urinate often to avoid feeling the need to
urinate. Don't wait until you feel the need.
- Take medicine to relieve pain.
- Drink extra fluids.
- Seek emergency treatment, if the pain is especially severe
or the problem doesn't go away in 2 to 3 hours. Treatment
may include fluids (hydration), pain medicines, and blood transfusions.
References
Citations
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (2002). The Management of Sickle Cell Disease (NIH Publication No. 02-2117). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/blood/sickle/.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMartin Steinberg, MD - Hematology
Current as ofOctober 13, 2016
Current as of:
October 13, 2016
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (2002). The Management of Sickle Cell Disease (NIH Publication No. 02-2117). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/blood/sickle/.