Did you know that there are thousands of rare diseases that affect millions of people around the world? 🌍 These diseases are called “rare” because they affect only a small number of people, but together, they make a big impact!
For a long time, doctors found it really hard to diagnose and treat these rare diseases. Sometimes, it could take years to find out what’s wrong! 😕 But exciting news from China shows that things are changing.
Faster Diagnoses Mean Better Help 🚀
China has made amazing progress by reducing the time it takes to diagnose rare diseases from four years to less than four weeks! 🏥✨ That means people get the help they need much faster. Plus, medical costs have dropped by 90%, making it easier for families to afford treatments. 💰
Understanding Rare Diseases and Birth Defects 🧬
Many rare diseases are caused by changes in our genes. Genes are like tiny instructions inside our bodies that tell our cells how to work. Sometimes, changes in genes can lead to diseases, some of which we are born with, called birth defects. 👶
There are over 8,000 known birth defects, and many are considered rare diseases. In China, they have worked hard to reduce problems like neural tube defects (issues with a baby’s brain and spine) and Down Syndrome. Because of this, fewer babies and young children are getting sick or dying from these conditions. 😊
Science and Technology to the Rescue! 🧪🔬
Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger, a leader in Canada for rare diseases, says that China is doing a lot of cool things with genetics (the study of genes) and genomics (studying all of a person’s genes). They have more gene therapy trials than anywhere else! That means scientists are testing new ways to fix genes to help people feel better. 🧑🔬
Why Early Diagnosis Matters ⏰
Finding out about a rare disease early can make a huge difference. If doctors can start treatment before serious symptoms appear, they might be able to stop the disease from getting worse. It’s like catching a problem before it becomes too big to handle! 💪
The Challenges Families Face ❤️
Rare diseases don’t just affect the person who is sick—they can impact the whole family. It can be emotionally tough, and sometimes families need support from friends and communities. It’s important to be kind and help each other out! 🤗
Rare Diseases in Older Adults 👵👴
Did you know that more rare diseases are being found in older people? Sometimes, doctors think the symptoms are just part of getting older, so it can be harder to diagnose. But with better awareness, we can help everyone get the right care. 🩺
What Can You Do? 🌈
You might wonder how you can help. Learning and spreading awareness about rare diseases is a great start! You can talk to your friends and family about what you’ve learned. Maybe one day, you’ll even become a scientist or doctor who helps find cures! 🥼🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
