Managing high blood pressure in Nigerian children means finding it early, eating healthier, being more active, and using medicine if needed.

How to manage your child's hypertension

Children's Health

<p>How to check your blood genotype.</p><blockquote><p>To check your blood genotype, visit a certified medical laboratory or hospital where a blood sample will be collected and analyzed through a hemoglobin electrophoresis test.</p></blockquote><p><img src="https://codahosted.io/docs/RzfmmSvViH/blobs/bl-t42MZ7bOJG/0bd12979ce7052dd3259d44434a47c3a096207a73ae8f39a1f259288e0d671f8a949f3f826274a395a7f281387789d07a8f53dad61feceadaf4bdfad18ee136cc51e57b4c5d979a4bcefa026308d82a41dd6e0bb3e3bf2098d2133000011a1cd15071ac4" alt="image.webp"></p><p><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/blood-testing-set-background_4029984.htm#query=blood%20test&amp;position=24&amp;from_view=search&amp;track=ais&amp;uuid=28a71caa-6918-461d-a4fb-9ac315f9520d">Image by macro vector on Freepik</a></p><p>Blood genotype is often tested using the haemoglobin electrophoresis method. This method separates the blood based on the type of haemoglobin molecules present. The molecules spread out as bands on special paper, and the bands are compared with standard haemoglobin bands to identify abnormal ones like HbS or HbC.</p><p>A scientist will collect a small volume of blood from you for the test, which usually lasts a few minutes to an hour. &nbsp;The results are usually ready in hours or days.</p><p>It is important to check your blood genotype at a registered and reliable laboratory, or at different laboratories to ensure the accuracy of your results. There have been few reported cases of error in blood genotype testing.</p><h2><strong>Genotype compatibility for marriage</strong></h2><p>Knowing one’s genotype is essential for a happy marriage, particularly where hereditary diseases such as sickle cell disease are common. Genotype compatibility describes how well the genes for particular traits match.</p><p>Parents who have incompatible genotypes, such AS and SS or AS and AS, run the risk of passing on sickle cell disease to their offspring. To avoid these consequences, couples should get genetic testing done before getting married.</p><p>Here is a table illustrating genotype compatibility for marriage:</p><figure class="table"><table style="border-color:transparent;"><thead><tr><th style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(224, 224, 224);border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;width:150px;">AA + AA</th><th style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(224, 224, 224);border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;width:150px;">AA, AA, AA, AA</th><th style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(224, 224, 224);border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;width:150px;">Compatible (Excellent)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AA + AS</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AA,AS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Compatible (Good)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AA + SS</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Compatible (Fair)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AA + SC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS,AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Compatible (Fair)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AA + AC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AA,AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Compatible (Good)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AS + AS</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AA,AS,SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AA + CC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Compatible (Good)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AS + SS</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS,SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AS + AC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AA,AC,AS,SC/SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AS + SC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS,AC,SS,SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>SS + SS</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>SS + SC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">SS,SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AC + SS</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS,SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>SS + AC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS,SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AC + AC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AA,AC,SS/CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>SS + CC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>SC + AC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AS,SC,AC,CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>AC + CC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">AC,CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;"><strong>SC + SC</strong></td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">SS,SC,CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-top-style:none;height:36px;vertical-align:top;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Notes:</p><ul><li><strong>Compatible (Excellent)</strong>: No risk of genetic disorders</li><li><strong>Compatible (Good)</strong>: Low risk of genetic disorders</li><li><strong>Compatible (Fair)</strong>: Moderate risk of genetic disorders</li><li><strong>Incompatible (Very Bad)</strong>: High risk of genetic disorders</li></ul><h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2><p>The blood is more than just a means of transporting oxygen and nutrients within the body. Understanding your blood genotype is a powerful way to take charge of your health, avoiding potentially life-threatening disorders, and even finding compatible partners.</p>

This test determines your genotype (e.g., AA, AS, SS, or AC) by identifying the types of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It is important to confirm your genotype at least twice, preferably from reputable labs, as errors can occur.

How to check your blood genotype before marriage.

Mental Health and Well-being

Weight Management

With expensive treatments available, prevention remains the best way to combat sickle cell disease.

Sickle Cell Disease 

<p>Hypertension by <a href="http://www.nyphotographic.com/">Nick Youngson</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/">CC BY-SA 3.0</a> <a href="https://pix4free.org/">Pix4free</a></p><ol><li>High blood pressure is more common in adults, but it’s now becoming a problem in children too.</li><li>It can happen because of health problems like kidney or heart issues, or from unhealthy habits.</li><li>More children are getting high blood pressure because many are overweight and not active enough.</li></ol><p>As parents, we often worry about our children's health and well-being, from ensuring they eat healthy foods to getting the best medical attention that we can afford whenever they are ill. But have you ever considered their blood pressure?</p><p>While hypertension is often seen as a condition that affects adults, it can also affect children and adolescents, and it is on the rise.</p><h2>How common is hypertension in children?</h2><p>Although it is more common in adults, hypertension in children is becoming recognized as a significant health issue.</p><p>It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney disease or heart abnormalities, or develop as primary hypertension, often linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Increased rates of childhood obesity have contributed to a rise in hypertension among children.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537021005101">review&nbsp;</a>of studies on hypertension in Africa finds that about 7% of African children are hypertensive and that the number is rising due to an increase in the number of children who are overweight or obese.</p><h2>Types of hypertension in children</h2><p>Hypertension could be primary or secondary.</p><p>Primary hypertension, or essential hypertension, is a condition of high blood pressure in which the cause is unknown. Primary hypertension runs in families and is the most common type of hypertension in children.</p><p>Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure with a known cause, such as renal disease, heart disease, or endocrine disorders.</p><h2>What are the causes of hypertension in children?</h2><p>There are many genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors responsible for hypertension in children. They include:</p><ul><li>Having a hypertensive parent</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Poor diet</li><li>Sedentary lifestyle</li><li>Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea</li><li>Medications, including NSAIDs, steroids, and over-the-counter cold remedies</li></ul><h2>Signs and symptoms of hypertension in children?</h2><p>Here are some signs that may suggest your child has hypertension:</p><ul><li>Headaches</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Blurry vision</li><li>Chest pain</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Blood in urine</li></ul><p>It is important to note that many children with hypertension do not experience any symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and treatment.</p><h2>How can you know if your child has hypertension?</h2><p>Diagnosing hypertension in children requires multiple blood pressure measurements taken over time and a thorough evaluation of your child’s medical history, family history, and physical exam.</p><p>The diagnostic criteria for hypertension in children use average blood pressure values for age, sex, and height. The doctor must measure a child’s blood pressure multiple times to establish a diagnosis of hypertension.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><ol><li>High blood pressure is more common in adults, but it’s now becoming a problem in children too.</li><li>It can happen because of health problems like kidney or heart issues, or from unhealthy habits.</li><li>More children are getting high blood pressure because many are overweight and not active enough.</li></ol><p>As parents, we often worry about our children's health and well-being, from ensuring they eat healthy foods to getting the best medical attention that we can afford whenever they are ill. But have you ever considered their blood pressure?</p><p>While hypertension is often seen as a condition that affects adults, it can also affect children and adolescents, and it is on the rise.</p><h2>How common is hypertension in children?</h2><p>Although it is more common in adults, hypertension in children is becoming recognized as a significant health issue.</p><p>It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney disease or heart abnormalities, or develop as primary hypertension, often linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Increased rates of childhood obesity have contributed to a rise in hypertension among children.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537021005101">review&nbsp;</a>of studies on hypertension in Africa finds that about 7% of African children are hypertensive and that the number is rising due to an increase in the number of children who are overweight or obese.</p><h2>Types of hypertension in children</h2><p>Hypertension could be primary or secondary.</p><p>Primary hypertension, or essential hypertension, is a condition of high blood pressure in which the cause is unknown. Primary hypertension runs in families and is the most common type of hypertension in children.</p><p>Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure with a known cause, such as renal disease, heart disease, or endocrine disorders.</p><h2>What are the causes of hypertension in children?</h2><p>There are many genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors responsible for hypertension in children. They include:</p><ul><li>Having a hypertensive parent</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Poor diet</li><li>Sedentary lifestyle</li><li>Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea</li><li>Medications, including NSAIDs, steroids, and over-the-counter cold remedies</li></ul><h2>Signs and symptoms of hypertension in children?</h2><p>Here are some signs that may suggest your child has hypertension:</p><ul><li>Headaches</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Blurry vision</li><li>Chest pain</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Blood in urine</li></ul><p>It is important to note that many children with hypertension do not experience any symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and treatment.</p><h2>How can you know if your child has hypertension?</h2><p>Diagnosing hypertension in children requires multiple blood pressure measurements taken over time and a thorough evaluation of your child’s medical history, family history, and physical exam.</p><p>The diagnostic criteria for hypertension in children use average blood pressure values for age, sex, and height. The doctor must measure a child’s blood pressure multiple times to establish a diagnosis of hypertension.</p>

Poor diet, obesity, and genetics are causing a rise in childhood hypertension, leading to lifelong health risks.

Hypertension in Nigerian Children

<p>Alcohol consumption has become a normalized aspect of social culture in Nigeria and across Africa. Whether it is at celebratory events, gatherings with friends, or even just a casual drink after a long day, alcohol is a go-to for many people. However, excessive drinking can hurt the liver.</p><p>While zero alcohol consumption is ideal for liver health, moderate intake is often considered safe. <span style="color:rgb(15,88,189);">The </span><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/#:~:text=Alcohol%20guidelines,risk%20of%20harming%20your%20health.">National Health Service</a><span style="color:rgb(15,88,189);"> recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That is around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints, that is, 2.8 litres of beer with 4% alcohol by volume (ABV). There is no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health. Consuming more than these limits, particularly binge drinking or taking in excess can raise the risk of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD).</span></p><p>Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a deadly condition affecting millions of people globally and is a growing concern in Nigeria and across Africa.</p><p>A new report from the <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/25-06-2024-over-3-million-annual-deaths-due-to-alcohol-and-drug-use-majority-among-men#:~:text=A%20new%20report%20from%20the,deaths%20to%20psychoactive%20drug%20use.">World Health Organization (WHO)</a> reveals that 2.6 million deaths per year were attributable to alcohol consumption, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths, with <strong>more than 200 diseases and injuries</strong> linked to alcohol use. While<a href="https://gatefield.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Alcohol-Policy-Brief.pdf"> Alcohol policy in Nigeria</a> also noted that harmful alcohol use accounts for approximately. 3.3 million deaths annually and it is linked to over 200 non-communicable diseases.</p><h2>What is alcoholic liver disease</h2><p>Alcoholic liver disease is a medical condition that occurs when the liver becomes damaged due to excessive and chronic alcohol consumption, leading to impaired liver function.</p><p>The liver processes and detoxifies substances in the body and produces essential proteins. Impairment of these functions due to alcoholic disease can have severe consequences, including liver failure and even death.</p><h2>The stages of <span style="color:rgb(15,88,189);">Alcoholic liver disease</span></h2><p>Alcoholic liver disease progresses through three key stages: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Each of these stages present with different symptoms, allowing for early interventions that can prevent further damage.</p><ul><li><strong>Fatty liver </strong>is the first stage, where excessive alcohol consumption leads to fat buildup in the liver. This stage is often reversible with lifestyle changes if caught early.</li><li><strong>Alcoholic hepatitis,</strong> the second stage, is marked by liver inflammation. This stage presents with more noticeable symptoms like abdominal pain and jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and mucous membranes.</li><li><strong>Cirrhosis </strong>is the final stage, where the liver becomes permanently scarred, leading to severe complications and a higher risk of liver failure.</li></ul><p>Early detection during the fatty liver or alcoholic hepatitis stage allows for lifestyle changes and medical treatments, which can stop the disease from progressing to cirrhosis, which is irreversible and life-threatening.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Drinking habits can take a toll on your liver. Find out how to protect yourself from alcoholic liver disease.

Liver Health and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

<p>Have you ever been asked “What’s your genotype?” It’s a common question for partners seeking to get married, children seeking to enroll into a school, or individuals looking for a job. Doctors too may ask about your genotype when you go for a checkup or treatment. So what’s genotype and how does it work?</p><h2><strong>What’s a genotype?</strong></h2><p>Genotype refers to an individual’s genetic makeup. It is an entire library of genes that determines height, eye color, blood group, susceptibility to some diseases, and even the ability to roll one's tongue.</p><p>These traits are contained in units called genes. The traits exist in multiple forms or <i>alleles.</i> The alleles may be identical (homozygous) or different (heterozygous). The genes and alleles are packed tightly into larger units known as chromosomes. We inherit our genes from our parents, one copy from dad and one copy from mum, and they combine to create our unique genotypes.</p><h2><strong>What's blood genotype?</strong></h2><p>Blood genotype refers to the genetic makeup of our blood components. It is used interchangeably with haemoglobin genotype (Hb genotype), which refers to the genes that code for haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues.</p><p>An average adult has the HbA genotype, which produces HbA with two normal globins. A change or mutation in the normal Hb genotype produces abnormal haemoglobins, such as HbS and HbC, which may affect red cell functions.</p><p>There are several different genotypes:</p><ul><li><strong>AA</strong>: normal haemoglobin genotype</li><li><strong>AS</strong>: sickle cell trait</li><li><strong>AC</strong>: haemoglobin disease</li><li><strong>SS</strong>: sickle cell anaemia</li><li><strong>SC</strong>: sickle cell disease</li></ul><h2><strong>How is the blood genotype inherited?</strong></h2><p>Like all genotypes, the Hb genotype is inherited from both parents. The two copies of the Hb genes from your parents combine to determine the type of haemoglobin your red cells produce.</p><p>Haemoglobin has two components: the haem component and the globin component. You can guess this from the name: haem + globin = haemoglobin. The Hb genotype codes for the globin component, which may be an alpha globin or a beta globin.</p><h2><strong>Why is the blood genotype important?</strong></h2><p>Blood genotypes play a significant role in determining the risk of developing certain diseases. For instance, an individual with the HbAA genotype is more likely to have malaria, while someone with the HbSS genotype is more vulnerable to infections.</p><p>Here is why. Malaria parasites survive better in red blood cells with normal haemoglobin than in sickled red cells. Individuals with sickle cell anaemia are likely to have infections because their immune system is weakened by damages caused by sickled red cells.</p><p>Other importance of blood genotype include:</p><ol><li><strong>Improved family planning</strong></li></ol><p>Testing for blood genotype can help you plan your family and ensure that your children are born healthy and without avoidable genetic disorders.</p><ol><li><strong>Inherited diseases</strong></li></ol><p>With a genotype test, you can know your risk for certain inherited diseases and know how to manage them proactively.</p><ol><li><strong>Personalised medicine</strong></li></ol><p>Knowing your genotype can also help develop personalised medicine. This type of medicine is tailored to the individual and considers their unique genetic makeup.</p><blockquote><p>To check your blood genotype, visit a certified medical laboratory or hospital where a blood sample will be collected and analyzed through a hemoglobin electrophoresis test.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>This test determines your genotype (e.g., AA, AS, SS, or AC) by identifying the types of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It is important to confirm your genotype at least twice, preferably from reputable labs, as errors can occur.</p></blockquote>

Knowing your genotype matters for marriage, your health, and future generations. It helps you determine the risk of developing certain diseases. 

Omotayo Faith Olanrewaju

Area of Expertise

How to manage your child's hypertension

How to check your blood genotype before marriage.

Sickle Cell Disease

Hypertension in Nigerian Children

Liver Health and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

What is Genotype and How Does it Work?