All About Hereditary Diseases
In this post we will talk about all hereditary diseases. Our child’s health is a matter of high priority. Let’s start by defining the basics, what are hereditary diseases? These are genetic diseases that are transmitted from generation to generation, from parents to children, and which can manifest at some point in life.
Now that we know what inherited diseases are, let’s talk about why they are generated in the body. These changes occur because the DNA goes through some changes that are pathological.
Changes manifest themselves because of the pressures that DNA is constantly subjected to in the process of adapting to the environment in which we develop.
The origin of an inherited disease
In order to be able to diagnose whether a disease is hereditary or not, it is prudent to know which factors caused it. The genetic inheritance of a human being is in their genes and chromosomes, which are non-rigid structures; in other words, they can change. Furthermore, they interact with the environment and, thus, can create mechanisms for adaptation, evolution and even repair.
Any defective change that alters the number or structure of genes and chromosomes or that affects their content or expression can lead to congenital diseases or malformations. The causes of a birth defect can be varied, and change according to the classification of the disease.
It is important to know that these changes are produced randomly, that is, they do not depend on the human being. These are changes that act in the organism and that we cannot control. So if we have any hereditary disease, we shouldn’t feel guilty. In these cases, the key is to apply adequate measures to prevent them.
Classification of hereditary diseases
Monogenic. These are hereditary diseases produced by a mutation or change in the sequence that the DNA follows in a single gene. They are also known as Mendelian hereditary diseases, named after Mendel’s Laws. Some of these diseases are: hemophilia, cystic fibrosis and anemia.
Multifactorial or polygenic. They are generated when gene mutation and various environmental factors combine. Sometimes they do not follow the same hereditary pattern as monogenic ones. Among polygenic diseases are high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Genetics. They occur by changing the structure of chromosomes or increasing their number. Asthma, leukemia and hypothyroidism are in this classification.
Mitochondrials. In general, this type of illness develops infrequently. It is caused by an affection in mitochondrial rather than chromosomal DNA. Mitochondria exist in the egg, because of this, this disease can be inherited from mother to child. Men cannot transmit it. Dementia and migraines are some of them.
The most common hereditary diseases
Hemophilia. It is a bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting. Women do not suffer from this disease, but they can pass it on to their children.
Color blindness. Occurs when colors cannot be identified by the person. That is, you cannot distinguish them. It usually affects men more.
Arterial hypertension. It is the persistent increase in blood pressure above normal values. It is considered one of the most important public health problems.
Diabetes. It’s an autoimmune disease and happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels.
Muscular dystrophy. It is a disease that groups together more than thirty different conditions. It causes muscle weakness and tissue loss that worsens over time.
If an inherited disease exists in your family, or if you have developed one, it is normal for you to be concerned about passing it on to your offspring. In that case, it is very important to seek expert help; thus, it will be able to detect it early and will even be able to act if there is the possibility of prevention.
