Achondroplasia Essay
Achondroplasia is best described as short-limbed dwarfism. This means that certain parts of the body are average sized, like the sternum, while others such as the legs are smaller than average. During early fetal development, cartilage is developed as the skeleton is. However, people born with Achondroplasia were unable to have their cartilage develop into bone before birth. The average heights for both males and females are under 4 feet 6 inches. However, people born with this disorder are usually not mentally disabled and can perform just as average sized people.
The achondroplasia diagnosis is done in three parts. The first is a physical diagnosis, where doctors look at the person in question for abnormal qualities in appearance. The second …show more content…
It occurs in 1 to 15,000 newborns. Risks that come along with Achondroplasia include brain abnormalities and frequent ear infections. Hypotonia, which is a weakness in muscle tone, may cause delay in motor functions such as …show more content…
For example, they may have even shorter bones and a rib cage that is drastically underdeveloped. Most deliveries of these children end with a stillborn or premature death associated with respiratory failure. While most adults with the condition can live within a normal life span, risks of death are increased during the first year of life. During vaginal birth, there is an increased chance of internal bleeding of the infant’s head. This is due to an enlarged head, and causes pressure on the brain stem. Women with Achondroplasia must take special precautions while pregnant due to their small pelvises, and will need to give birth via cesarean section.
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Blog Four: Associated Illnesses
A major illness for people with Achondroplasia is apnea, which is shortness of breath or short stoppings. Obesity. Ear infections. Back pains due to kyphosis. Spinal Stenosis is possible, which means that the spine will be pinched. Because of this, it would be difficult for adults with this illness to walk without weak legs. A rare effect would be a build-up of fluid in the brain. When it does occur, it occurs in children and does lead to future brain abnormalities. Because sleep apnea is a common problem, surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids may be in place to assist the individual.
The achondroplasia diagnosis is done in three parts. The first is a physical diagnosis, where doctors look at the person in question for abnormal qualities in appearance. The second …show more content…
It occurs in 1 to 15,000 newborns. Risks that come along with Achondroplasia include brain abnormalities and frequent ear infections. Hypotonia, which is a weakness in muscle tone, may cause delay in motor functions such as …show more content…
For example, they may have even shorter bones and a rib cage that is drastically underdeveloped. Most deliveries of these children end with a stillborn or premature death associated with respiratory failure. While most adults with the condition can live within a normal life span, risks of death are increased during the first year of life. During vaginal birth, there is an increased chance of internal bleeding of the infant’s head. This is due to an enlarged head, and causes pressure on the brain stem. Women with Achondroplasia must take special precautions while pregnant due to their small pelvises, and will need to give birth via cesarean section.
__________________________________________________________________
Blog Four: Associated Illnesses
A major illness for people with Achondroplasia is apnea, which is shortness of breath or short stoppings. Obesity. Ear infections. Back pains due to kyphosis. Spinal Stenosis is possible, which means that the spine will be pinched. Because of this, it would be difficult for adults with this illness to walk without weak legs. A rare effect would be a build-up of fluid in the brain. When it does occur, it occurs in children and does lead to future brain abnormalities. Because sleep apnea is a common problem, surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids may be in place to assist the individual.