Heredity does seem to play a role. Ten percent of lupus patients have a first-degree relative (sister, daughter, son, mother) or a second-degree relative (aunt, uncle, first cousin) with lupus. Therefore, 90 percent of lupus patients DO NOT have relatives with lupus. Even in identical twins, when one sibling has lupus and the other twin does not, it is believed there are environmental factors that play an important role.

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a very rare and potentially life threatening genetic condition that occurs in about 1/10,000 to 1/50,000 people. HAE symptoms include episodes of edema (swelling) in various body parts including the hands, feet, face, and airway. In addition, patients often have bouts of excruciating abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that is caused by swelling in the intestinal wall. Airway swelling is particularly dangerous and can lead to death by asphyxiation. See similar questions...

No, hammertoes and bunions are caused by pathomechanics, although shoe gear can aggravate the symptoms that can cause these problems. See similar questions...

The cause of lupus remains unknown. It is believed that lupus has a genetic pre-disposition and something in the environment triggers the onset of the disease. See similar questions...

These symptoms can come or go, and can range from mild to severe. Most lupus patients have a combination of symptoms. See similar questions...

Twenty years ago the answer would have been "no." But today, successful pregnancy and childbirth are possible. It is wise for lupus patients to be in the care of a high-risk ob/gyn. See similar questions...

There are four main types of lupus: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) This is commonly referred to as lupus. Characterized by chronic pain and fatigue, the disease can and does attack many of the body's systems. Especially susceptible are the kidneys, blood, skin and joints. Discoid Lupus This type of lupus is often referred to as cutaneous or skin lupus. It is mainly concentrated at the skin, but can also attack hair follicles and mucus membranes. It will not affect internal organs. See similar questions...

Yes, lupus is mainly a woman's disease, although men can have lupus. The ratio of women to men is 9 to 1, or 90%. Before puberty, boys and girls have the same ratio; that is 1 to 1. See similar questions...

of people diagnosed with lupus have positive ANAs. There are other blood tests more specific to people with lupus that can be used in some instances. See similar questions...

Yes, we can refer you to a rheumatologist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats lupus. Just call the Foundation at 800.74.LUPUS (800.745.8787). See similar questions...

Susceptibility can be affected by hereditary (inherited) genes in as much as they are thought to influence the likelihood of getting Alopecia. About 25% of patients have a family history of the disorder (Bertolino, 2000). However, your genes alone are not going to make Alopecia occur. Neither are you going to pass on an 'Alopecia gene' to your children. See similar questions...

There is no proof that Social Phobia is hereditary. Some epidemiologic data suggest it, but there are not enough elements to warrant a conclusion. The same occurrence in one of the parents cannot be regarded as evidence. A person's self-concept, values, and beliefs, as well as many current feelings and emotions, may have their roots in childhood, when the self was being formed. See similar questions...

There is an increase in AMD among children of AMD patients. This is one more reason why your children, after age 40, should have regular eye exams at least every other year. See similar questions...

It is more correct to say that there is evidence of a strong family history and genetic relationship to bipolar disorder. See similar questions...

CML is chromosomal/genetic but not hereditary. This means it is not caused by a gene being passed on. During the patient's lifetime, they somehow were exposed to something which damaged their genes. This resulted in the translocation of the 9 and 22 chromosome, and led to CML. However, there are familial incidences among 2 or more family members in other myeloproliferative disorders so the answer is not clear. See similar questions...