A genetic disorder is a medical condition caused by a mutation in an individual’s genomic makeup. Most genetic disorders are caused by a mutation in the DNA sequence of a single gene, gross breaks in individual chromosomes or the addition of...
There are several types of immunodeficiency diseases. Some of them are congenital and in some of the diseases, the immune system develops abnormalities after birth. Most of the immunodeficiency diseases are rare and hereditary, and the symptoms...
Circulation refers to the process of blood traveling throughout the body via vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries, to bring oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs. Restricted blood flow to the extremities can cause pain in the...
The thymus is an important part of your child's lymphatic system. It is an organ comprised of two lobes, which are encased in a capsule that sits behind the sternum and above the heart. A missing or malfunctioning thymus can make your child...
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which your parathyroid glands do not produce enough hormones, called parathyroid hormone or PTH. Your parathyroid glands are located in your neck and regulate your levels of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus....
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart problem which results in blood that is low in oxygen being pumped throughout the body. This can cause babies to be slightly blue in color, also known as cyanosis.
The nose is a mucus factory, producing approximately one quart of mucus each day. This keeps germs, dirt and pollen from getting into the lungs because they are stopped in the nose. Sometimes the mucus becomes more fluid and begins to run out of...
The process of blood flow throughout the body is called circulation. Poor blood circulation is characterized by symptoms in the extremities, or hand, arms, feet and legs, including numbness, tingling or cold temperature. Various diseases can lead...
Cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when, during embryonic development, the roof of the mouth---called the palate---does not close properly. Often, the upper lip is also clefted. In most cases, a cleft palate with or without cleft lip is...
The parathyroid glands regulate the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. People with abnormalities in their parathyroid who have an abnormally high amount of calcium may experience constipation, vomiting, kidney stones and fractures and may also...
The heart can be described as the muscle pump of the body. A congenital heart problem can arise when there is abnormal heart development that happens in utero, before birth. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that annually approximately...
When you think of calcium deficiency, you probably think of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a serious disorder that can lead to broken bones and even shorten your life, but lack of calcium can affect your body in many other ways, too. Your nerves...
There are various kinds of abnormalities that can happen to a fetus. Some of them are preventable and some are not. Alcohol and certain drugs can cause abnormalities in various organs that are still developing and can interfere with fetal growth....
A surprising fact about genetics is that there are many syndromes that are termed "genetic," but have not been inherited from a parent. When DNA is passed from one generation to the next, it is copied. Generally, DNA is copied faithfully, however...
