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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Most attacks occur spontaneously with no apparent reason, however anxiety, stress, minor trauma, surgery, and illnesses such as colds and flu have been cited as triggers. Trauma to the oral cavity caused by dental procedures make HAE patients particularly vulnerable to airway attacks. Patients have also reported swelling in extremities following typing, prolonged writing, pushing a lawn mower, hammering, shoveling, and other physical activities.

Most cases of angioedema are not HAE because swelling attacks are typically caused by something other than C1-inhibitor deficiency, usually an allergic reaction. Laboratory analysis of blood samples or genetic testing is required to establish the HAE diagnosis. There are two specific blood tests that confirm HAE: C1-inhibitor functional common form of the disease--Type I--is characterized by low quantitative levels of C1-inhibitor and affects about 85% of patients.

Patients often report tingling or tightness at the site where edema will occur thirty minutes to several hours later. In some cases, this sensation can be present twelve to twenty four hours before the onset of swelling. Approximately one fourth of HAE patients experience a flat, non itching red blotchy rash both before and during an attack. The edema itself usually lasts for twenty four to seventy two hours, but the length of an attack can range from four hours to four or more days.

Swelling of the extremities is uncomfortable and, according to some patients, can be painful and debilitating depending on the location of the edema. Attacks that involve the face and throat must be taken seriously and medical treatment should be sought without delay. Swelling of the throat can close the air passage and cause death by suffocation. The symptoms of an impending airway obstruction include difficulty swallowing and a change in voice pitch.

Treatment of acute attacks Clinicians generally recommend long term therapy for patients who experience more than one attack per month, or who believe that the disease significantly interferes with their life style. The present drugs of choice for long-term therapy are 17 alpha alkylated androgens such as danazol, and oxandrolone (Oxandrin). 17 alpha alkylated androgens produce an increase in C1-inhibitor levels, but the exact mechanism of how they do so has not been precisely defined.

Hereditary diseases, such as hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in all breeds, and the Bearded Collie is no exception. Hyperthyroidism is the most common and the easiest to treat. Addisons is probably the second most common. There are many other, less common diseases. One reason we hear more about genetic diseases is because they are being diagnosed where previously dogs would die of some unknown cause.

Macular degeneration appears to be hereditary in some families but not in others. Since macular degeneration affects most patients later in life, it is difficult to study successive generations in a family. Recent studies of twins indicate that both genetic and non-genetic factors play important roles in age-related macular degeneration. Yes. It has been demonstrated that the blue rays of the spectrum seem to accelerate macular degeneration more than other rays of the spectrum.

It can be. It does run in some families, although it does not necessarily affect everyone in the family. It has also been known to skip a generation or two.

The cause of fibromyalgia remains elusive. However, recent studies show that genetic factors can predispose individuals to a genetic susceptibility to fibromyal

Answer: Heredity is a primary factor in over 80% of varicose vein cases. Other contributing factors may include pregnancy, obesity, hormone therapy, standing or sitting for long periods of time and injury.