A 13-year-old with sickle cell trait plans to play football. Which precaution should be discussed with the patient and parents?

• A. Avoid dehydration
• B. Avoid all contact sports
• C. Begin daily use of aspirin
• D. Begin hydroxyurea supplements

Answer: (A)

Dehydration worsens blood viscosity and can promote sickling of red cells even in people with sickle cell trait during intense exercise. In football, where there’s heavy exertion and heat, maintaining good hydration helps prevent sickling-related complications such as muscle breakdown and rare but serious events. So the key precaution is ensuring ample fluids and electrolyte replacement, along with gradual conditioning and avoiding excessive heat exposure. The other options aren’t needed: carrying out sports in general is allowed for most with trait, and daily aspirin or hydroxyurea are therapies for sickle cell disease, not trait.