Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects

Telomeres, which are sequences of DNA at the end of chromosomes, can provide one way to judge your rate of aging. The longer your telomeres, the more your stem cells can repair damages elsewhere in your body (including your heart), and the... Full Answer

Handling the challenges of caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis can be difficult. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by how hard it is and how much time it takes to care for a child who has a long-term, life-shortening illness. Counseling or support... Full Answer

Surgery may be needed to treat complications of cystic fibrosis. Procedures may include: Chest tube drainage and possible thoracoscopy, to treat a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Lung transplant, for people who have severe lung disease. Repair of an... Full Answer

Medicines for cystic fibrosis help keep the lungs as healthy as possible, reduce and control mucus in the lungs, and replace digestive enzymes. Medication choices Medicines for cystic fibrosis include: Medicines to treat infections Antibiotics (such as... Full Answer

Exercise can actually turn on specific genes to benefit your health and make your life better (less disease, less disability, more vigor). But it isn't your only tool for do-it-yourself genetic engineering. A diet devoid of unhealthy food felons,... Full Answer

Human growth may be affected by heredity, gender, illness and medications, nutrition, hormones, and psychosocial environment, among other factors. A warning sign of a growth abnormality is below or above average height and/or weight. During the first... Full Answer

An allele is an alternative form of a gene that is located at a specific position on a specific chromosome. Alleles contain the DNA coding which determines the traits that can be passed on from parents to offspring Organisms have two alleles for each... Full Answer

Cystic fibrosis is often treated at home with antibiotics, as well as through special exercises for draining sputum—including physical therapy for the chest, physical exercise, and aerosols. Diet therapy, which emphasizes the replacement of... Full Answer

General: Most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are diagnosed by the age of two years. In general, genetic testing is not needed to confirm a diagnosis. Instead, a less expensive test, called a sweat test, is performed. Genetic testing is primarily... Full Answer

Heartburn medications: If a baby with HPE has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a doctor may prescribe infant doses of medications commonly used to treat heartburn in adults. Commonly prescribed medications include H-2 blockers, such as cimetidine... Full Answer