HEREDITARY DISEASES

What is a disease?

A disease is any condition that impairs

functioning of cells, tissues or organs.

Infectious or non-infectious?

Hereditary diseases fall under non-

infectious diseases.

What are hereditary diseases?

Hereditary diseases, also known as genetic disorders, are inherited

defects that prevents an organ or tissues from working properly.
These genetic mutations can be inherited from one or both
parents, and they may affect various aspects of health and
development.

How are they transmitted?

Hereditary diseases are transmitted through the passing of genetic

information from parents to offspring. These diseases result from
mutations or abnormalities in the DNA.

How to control and treat?

For controlling and treating hereditary diseases, early detection

and management are key. Regular medical check-ups, genetic
counselling, and, if available, genetic testing can help identify risks
and plan preventive measures. Follow prescribed treatment plans,
including medications, lifestyle modifications, and regular
monitoring. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively
impact overall health and contribute to managing the effects of
hereditary diseases.
Some examples of hereditary diseases are:

• Dwarfism - Dwarfism is a condition characterized by

significantly shorter stature than average for an individual's
age and population group, often resulting from genetic or
medical factors.

• Haemophilia - Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs

the blood's ability to clot, leading to prolonged bleeding and
difficulty in stopping bleeding after an injury.

• Sickle cell anaemia - Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood

disorder where red blood cells have a distorted, sickle-like
shape, causing them to break down more easily and leading
to a shortage of healthy red blood cells.

• Cystic fibrosis - Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that

affects the lungs and digestive system, causing the
production of thick and sticky mucus, leading to respiratory
and digestive challenges.