Genetic Disorders

An abnormality causes genetic health issues in an individual's genes or chromosomes. These disorders can be passed down from parents to their children and may be present at birth or develop later in life.

There are thousands of genetic health issues, some of which are more common than others. Some more common genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, hemophilia, and Huntington's disease.

These genetic health problems can affect any organ or system in the body and range in severity from mild to debilitating or fatal.

Treatment for genetic issues often focuses on managing the symptoms and may include medication, surgery, or other therapies. In some cases, a cure may be possible through gene therapy or other emerging technologies.

While there is no way to prevent most genetic health issues and disorders, many can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment.

Those with a family history of a particular condition may wish to undergo genetic testing to determine their risk. Prenatal screening can also be used to detect some conditions before birth.

With advances in medical science, more and more treatments are becoming available for those affected by genetic disorders. However, there is still much to learn about these complex conditions.