Dwarfism
By: Noble, Alexis, and Megan
What is the cause of Dwarfism
Most dwarfism-related conditions are genetic disorders, but the causes of some disorders are unknown. Most occurrences of dwarfism result from a random genetic mutation in either the father's sperm or the mother's egg rather than being in either parent's complete genetic makeup.
How Does This Disorder Affect the Human Body?
Dwarfism affects the body in many ways. Most common signs of dwarfism are shortness and a disproportionate body.
What are some Health Problems Associated with this Disorder?
Joint problems and fragile bones are side effects of dwarfism. Sometimes, in major cases, the victim of the disorder cannot walk and is incapable of some if not most movement. People with dwarfism generally have a normal lifespan.
Is Dwarfism More Common to a Certain Race, Gender, or Ethnicity?
There is no certain race where dwarfism is more common and it is spread evenly between males and females. Dwarfism doesn't have a chance of affecting one person over another. Everyone is equally susceptible.
Are There Any Medical Treatments for Dwarfism?
Treatments for Dwarfism vary from person to person. These treatments may include Insertion of a shunt to drain excess fluid and relieve pressure on the brain, a tracheotomy to improve breathing through a small airway, corrective surgeries for deformities such as cleft palate, club foot or bowed legs, surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids to improve breathing problems related to large tonsils, small facial structures, and/or a small chest, and surgery to widen the spinal canal to relieve spinal cord compression.
Interesting Facts
The most common type of Dwarfism is Anchondroplasia which is short-limbed Dwarfism. Most people with Dwarfism have gone through bullying in highschool. People with Dwarfism are usaully no taller than four-ten. The word "midget" is highly offensive to people with dwarfism.