Inherited disorders or diseases, also called genetic disorders, are diseases that are caused by defects in genes; they are diseases that a person inherits genetically from his or her parents.
Different classifications
Inherited disorders can occur because of a single gene mutation, because of a multifactor inheritance, or because of a chromosomal aberration.
Single gene mutation disorders result from a single mutation in the gene. Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, haemophilia, Tay Sachs and Huntington’s diseases are some of the disorders that develop because of single gene mutations. These disorders typically cause heavy loss of life. About 1 out of every 1000 babies born worldwide is born with a single gene mutation disorder.
Multifactor genetic diseases are the result of interactions between several genes and environmental factors. Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and some cancers are such diseases.
Chromosomal aberrations occur because of abnormalities or structural changes in chromosomes. Down syndrome is a well-known chromosomal defect.
Genetic predisposition
Some people are not born with a disease but could have a higher risk of developing it during his or her lifetime. This is called genetic predisposition or susceptibility and can be ascribed to genetic mutations. The most common diseases for which people inherit a genetic predisposition is asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and some forms of mental illness.
People with genetic predisposition to diseases can to some degree prevent or alter the outcome of their disease by making good lifestyle choices. Those with a predisposition for asthma, for instance, could avoid smoking actively and passively and reduce their exposure to allergens that might bring on an attack.
Treatment of inherited disorders
No treatment is able to get rid of any inherited disorder. Nor can the disease be altered by removing the affected gene. Treatments are aimed at the symptoms of the disease.
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Sources
medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
wordnetweb.princeton.edu
www.livestrong.com
www.thefreedictionary.com
www.who.int