Understanding The Range Of Chronic Conditions Passed Down Through Generations.
Chronic illnesses, characterised by long-term health conditions requiring ongoing management, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
While several factors contribute to the development of chronic diseases, including environmental influences and lifestyle choices, genetics also play a crucial role.
Inherited chronic illnesses, those passed down through family lines, present unique challenges for individuals and their loved ones.
This blog explores some of the chronic conditions that can be inherited genetically, shedding light on the scientific understanding behind these complex health issues.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF):
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, requiring both parents to carry a faulty CFTR gene for their child to develop the disease.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2021), approximately 30,000 people in the United States have CF, with an estimated one in 31 individuals carrying the CF gene.
Citation: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (2021). About Cystic Fibrosis. Retrieved from https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/
Huntington's Disease (HD):
Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene.
Individuals with an affected parent have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease-causing mutation. The Huntington's Disease Society of America (2022) estimates that approximately 30,000 Americans are affected by HD.
Citation: Huntington's Disease Society of America. (2022). About Huntington's Disease. Retrieved from https://hdsa.org/what-is-hd/
Hemophilia:
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder characterised by the inability to form blood clots properly. It is caused by mutations in genes that encode clotting factors, specifically Factor VIII (hemophilia A) or Factor IX (hemophilia B).
Hemophilia is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner, primarily affecting males. The National Hemophilia Foundation (2021) reports that hemophilia A and B occur in approximately 1 in 5,000 and 1 in 25,000 male births, respectively.
Citation: National Hemophilia Foundation. (2021). Hemophilia: About Bleeding Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.hemophilia.org/About-Us/Fast-Facts
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD):
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterised by the growth of multiple cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and potential organ failure.
PKD can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, with a 50% chance of passing the disease-causing mutation to offspring.
The National Kidney Foundation (2022) estimates that PKD affects approximately 600,000 Americans.
Citation: National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/polycystic
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD):
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene.
It primarily affects boys and leads to the weakening and loss of muscle function over time. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (2022) estimates that approximately 1 in every 5,000 to 10,000 boys worldwide is born with DMD.
Citation: Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2022). About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Retrieved from https://www.mda.org/disease/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/overview
Understanding the genetic basis of chronic illnesses is crucial for both individuals and healthcare professionals.
While this blog post has highlighted only a handful of inherited chronic conditions, it serves as a starting point to comprehend the diverse range of diseases influenced by genetics.
By looking into the genetic links of chronic illnesses, we gain insight into potential risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, ultimately aiming for improved management and enhanced quality of life for affected individuals.
References:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (2021). About Cystic Fibrosis. Retrieved from https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/
Huntington's Disease Society of America. (2022). About Huntington's Disease. Retrieved from https://hdsa.org/what-is-hd/
National Hemophilia Foundation. (2021). Hemophilia: About Bleeding Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.hemophilia.org/About-Us/Fast-Facts
National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/polycystic
Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2022). About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Retrieved from https://www.mda.org/disease/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/overview
* Please note that at Parkside Designs Art we are not doctors or scientists. The information in this blog is informative only. We accept no liability in any form for the information provided.
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