4 Common Genetic Disorders That May Run In Your Family
It’s hard to live when you have a rare disease that no one seems to understand. You’re surrounded by uncertainty, and you don’t know who to turn to for aid.
This is true for many, but especially true when that disease is hereditary. Many people may have never heard of certain common genetic disorders before, and when they learn they’ve passed them on to their children, they need answers.
Why should you read on? Because the more information you have, the better equipped you are to help yourself and your children!
Common genetic disorders can manifest across one or several generations in a family.
1. Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that is passed down from a parent who carries the DNA for the disorder. This condition affects the body’s ability to produce proteins necessary for blood clotting and causes a person’s blood to not clot properly.
Symptoms of hemophilia can range from increased bleeding and bruising with minor injuries to more severe cases where extensive bleeding occurs and is life-threatening.
Treatment for the disorder can include medications to help increase clotting proteins and treatments such as blood transfusions to help individuals with bleeding episodes.
2. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that affects the cells in the body that produce mucus and sweat. Symptoms vary in severity but generally involve frequent lung infections, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It is also known to cause digestive problems such as poor weight gain, poor muscle tone, and diarrhea.
It is important to know if this condition is present in your family so that proper treatments and screenings can be done if it could be a potential risk. Early screening, proper nutrition, and treatments can help to improve the quality of life of those living with cystic fibrosis.
3. Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle Cell occurs when an abnormality in the hemoglobin gene causes red blood cells to become thick and crescent-shaped, which impedes the blood’s ability to carry oxygen around the body. Symptoms include anemia (a shortage of healthy red blood cells), pain, fatigue, and delayed growth and development.
4. Tay-Sachs
Tay Sachs is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. It is most commonly associated with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry but can occur in other ethnicities as well. Tay Sachs destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to death by the age of four.
Symptoms include vision loss, eating problems, muscle weakness, and slowed development. Although there is currently no cure, treatments and therapies can help improve the quality of life for those affected.
It is important to be aware of common genetic mutations that can run in your family, such as Tay Sachs, to ensure genetic screenings and early diagnosis are done and appropriate treatments are sought.
If you have these kinds of genetic disorders, you can check if disability law covers yours. Click here to find out how to file for disability benefits in Nevada.
Common Genetic Disorders That You Don’t Want To Ignore
In conclusion, it’s clear that there can be many common genetic disorders that may run in your family. Awareness of the risks and taking precautions are key for you to maintain the best health possible.
Take time to discuss your family health history with your doctor and even members of your extended family to assess the risks of any common genetic disorders.
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