Approximately 8 million children in the world are born with genetic disorders. Genetic disorders occur due to chromosomal defects caused by chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations, uterine factors, teratogens, environmental factors, and other unknown reasons (Feldkamp et al., 2017). Children inherit genetic disorders from them their parents requiring them to get prompt medical care to correct or manage the conditions (Kotilla et al., 2015). Examples of genetically inherited disorders include sickle cell anemia, Huntington’s disease, and hemochromatosis. Genetically inherited disorders cause many health problems and high mortality rates in the population.
Foremost, genetically inherited disorders lead to the development of intellectual and physical disabilities. Genetic disorders are terminal illnesses that are characterized by the deterioration of the human body functions. For example, sickle cell anemia causes stroke among young children and organ failure, and this limits their ability to participate in normal activities like playing and reading. People who have Huntington’s disease are at a higher risk of mental disability due to the degeneration of the brain cells. Moreover, these disorders increase the risk of brain damage leading to the loss of mobility, speech, and hearing (Chiurazzi, & Pirozzi, 2016). Depression and anxiety are also highly prevalent among individuals with genetic disorders making it impossible for them to live healthy lives and work. Consequently, many people with genetically inherited disorders are enrolled in national disability programs that allow them to receive financial support from the government.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Secondly, genetically inherited disorders are associated with high morbidity rates. People with genetic disorders are highly susceptible to numerous types of infections due to their weak immune system that is unable to fight diseases. As a result, they are forced to use antibiotics to improve their health outcome. However, overdependence on antibiotics leads to the development of antibiotic resistance forcing the doctor’s to change medications for the achievement of better health outcomes continuously.
The use of opioids to manage pain among people with genetic disorders is another source of health problems. Opioids are strong painkillers that have been used in medical treatment for decades. However, opioids have addictive properties, and there have been many reported cases of opioid addiction especially among people suffering from sickle cell anemia (Kotilla et al. 2015). Addiction leads to substance abuse causing the development of other mental and psychological health problems. Moreover, substance abuse causes family problems leading to the isolation of individuals with genetic disorders, and this worsens the situation.
Finally, there is a high mortality rate among individuals suffering from genetically inherited diseases. As earlier said, these disorders are terminal illnesses that cause the death of people in their early life. Causes of death vary with the type of genetic disorders. For example deaths in sickle cell anemia often occur due to organ failure. Moreover, genetically inherited disorders increase the risk of chronic diseases like pneumonia and cardiovascular illness, and failure to obtain prompt medical assistance leads to death (Bates, Tabrizi, & Jones 2014). Although the world has made a lot of progress in trying to control genetic disorders through treatment, people continue to succumb to these illnesses.
Genetically inherited disorders are serious medical conditions without a cure. The disorders are inherited through the chromosomes and expressed by children from birth. However, lack of treatment for these conditions condemns the affected to a life of continuous medical visits and medication. Moreover, people born with genetic disorders have high mortality and morbidity rates and is vulnerable to opioid addiction.
References
Bates, G., Tabrizi, S., & Jones, L. (Eds.). (2014). Huntington's disease (No. 64). Oxford University Press, USA.
Chiurazzi, P., & Pirozzi, F. (2016). Advances in understanding–genetic basis of intellectual disability. F1000Research, 5.
Feldkamp, M. L., Carey, J. C., Byrne, J. L., Krikov, S., & Botto, L. D. (2017). Etiology and clinical presentation of birth defects: population based study. bmj, 357, j2249.
Kotila, T. R., Busari, O. E., Makanjuola, V., & Eyelade, O. R. (2015). Addiction or pseudoaddiction in sickle cell disease patients: Time to decide-a case series. Annals of Ibadan postgraduate medicine, 13(1), 44-47.
