The diseases, which are transferred from for generation to generation, are known as genetic or inherited diseases. In other words, these diseases are generally transmitted. Two examples of genetic diseases are:
- Haemophilia (Bleeder’s Disease)
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
1. Haemophilia
Haemophilia is a very rare genetic disease. IN patients suffering from this disease, the blood does not clot easily. This hereditary disease usually occurs in young males whose mothers have had the disease in their own family. The mother transmits the disease but does not suffer from the disease herself. An individual suffering from this disease may bleed to death from a wound or a cut. A child suffering from haemophilia should be kept free from injury as far as possible. In case bleeding occurs, fresh blood has to transfuse to save the child. It is very difficult to carry surgical operations on such individuals.
2. Sickle Cell Anaemia
Sickle cell anaemia is a major problem in some people living in some parts of Africa. This disease also occurs in the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and in parts of Maharashtra. In persons, suffering from this disease, the red blood cells contain defective type of haemoglobin. In this disease, the red blood cells assume the shape of a sickle and this tends to hinder their flow through the capillaries. The patients suffering from this disease have serve anaemia and may also suffer from pain in joints and jaundice. Sickle-cell patients should not go up to high altitudes, because the less oxygen in the air may precipitate a severe attack.