List of Congenital Diseases
Congenital diseases refer to diseases that are present at birth. Sometimes, the congenital condition affects a certain body part or is an inherited condition that affects growth and development. Congenital diseases are typically present at birth, but with the advent of three-dimensional sonograms, congenital diseases may be detected prior to birth.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the aorta refers to a medical problem in which the aorta (major blood vessel of the heart) is narrowed, states MedlinePlus 1. Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta include:
- fainting
- dizziness
- chest pain
- nose bleeds
- leg cramps
- shortness of breath
- a pounding heartbeat
- poor growth
- high blood pressure 1
Other symptoms of coarctation of the aorta include a headache and the inability to exercise without getting tired 1.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a condition affecting the adrenal glands, structures that sit above the kidneys to produce steroid hormones. Two types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia exist: classic and nonclassic. Classic congenital hyperplasia occurs in newborns and young children while the nonclassic form affects older children and those in early adulthood.
Symptoms of classic congenital hyperplasia includes an enlarged penis in males, ambigous genitalia in females, vomiting, dehydration and vomiting. It may also lead to early puberty, menstrual irregularities and infertility.
Symptoms of nonclassic congenital hyperplasia include absent or irregular menstruation, fatigue, low blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol.
Treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia involves taking such medications as dexamethasone or cortisol to replace the steroids that are not made. Reconstructive surgery may be used in females with ambiguous genitalia. Sometimes, women can be given dexamethosone prior to the baby being born.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a condition affecting the adrenal glands, structures that sit above the kidneys to produce steroid hormones.
- Symptoms of nonclassic congenital hyperplasia include absent or irregular menstruation, fatigue, low blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol.
Congenital Cataract
Congenital cataracts refer to clouding of the eye lenses at birth 2. Symptoms of congenital cataracts include a white spot in the dark circular part of the eye (pupil), rapid eye movements (nystagmus) and the inability of the newborn to recognize what is around him, according to MedlinePlus 12.
Mild cataracts require no treatment, but severe cataracts can be treated with surgery and replaced with an artificial lens.
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References
- MedlinePlus: Coarctation of the Aorta
- MedlinePlus: Congenital Cataracts
- Barreto T. Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects in newborns. Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(7):421-422.
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- Rao PS. Management of congenital heart disease: state of the art; part I-acyanotic heart defects. Children (Basel). 2019;6(3):42. doi:10.3390/children6030042
- Cleveland Clinic. Pediatric and congenital heart conditions. Updated January 14, 2011.
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- Cleveland Clinic. Pediatric and congenital heart conditions: Diagnosis and tests. Updated January 14, 2011.
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- Attenhofer Jost CH, Schmidt D, Huebler M, et al. Heart transplantation in congenital heart disease: In whom to consider and when?. J Transplant. 2013;2013:376027. doi:10.1155/2013/376027
- Schwerzmann M, Schwitz F, Thomet C, Kadner A, Pfammatter JP, Wustmann K. Challenges of congenital heart disease in grown-up patients. Swiss Med Wkly. 2017;147:w14495. doi:10.4414/smw.2017.14495
- Mutluer FO, Çeliker A. General concepts in adult congenital heart disease. Balkan Med J. 2018;35(1):18-29. doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.2017.0910
- Oster ME, Watkins S, Hill KD, Knight JH, Meyer RE. Academic outcomes in children with congenital heart defects: a population-based cohort study. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2017;10(2):e003074. doi:10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.116.003074
- Pauliks LB. Depression in adults with congenital heart disease-public health challenge in a rapidly expanding new patient population. World J Cardiol. 2013;5(6):186-195. doi:10.4330/wjc.v5.i6.186
Writer Bio
Lisabetta Divita is a physician whose love for writing flourished while she was exposed to all facets of the medical field during her training. Her writings are currently featured in prominent medical magazines and various online publications. She holds a doctorate in medicine, a master's in biomedicine, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Boston College.