There are a variety of diseases that occur in the US. Some, like the Zika virus, are new and spreading quickly. Others, like polio, have been around for a long time but are still a threat.
Some of these diseases are considered some of the biggest health threats in the US. One example is heart disease. Every year, heart disease kills more people than any other illness. There are many different types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. However, common diseases like heart disease aren’t the only killers. Some rarer diseases do exist, and it’s worth knowing about them. Here are some of the rarest diseases in the United States.
Stoneman Syndrome
This is one of the most interesting and rarest diseases in the country. It affects very few people (around one in two million), but it can easily maim those that have it.
Essentially, this disease turns various ligaments and some muscles into bones. This can also cause tumors to grow on the nerves in the hands and feet. This makes movement very difficult and can even lead to amputation. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Stoneman Syndrome, so those with it must live with the pain and disability.
XP (Xeroderma pigmentosum)
This disease is caused by a gene mutation and makes the body incredibly sensitive to sunlight. As a result, people with XP can develop severe skin cancer by simply being outside in the sun for a short period.
There is no cure for XP, so those with it must take extreme precautions to avoid the sun. This includes staying inside as much as possible and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen when they go outside. Thankfully, it only affects a few people in the country, and these people are getting some innovative treatments for it.
Anodontia
Anodontia is a rare dental genetic disease that causes people to be born without any teeth. This can make eating difficult and lead to a host of other health problems such as periodontitis and other forms of dental infections.
There is no known cure for anodontia, but there are ways to replace the missing teeth. One of the most robust ways to treat this is installing strong partial dentures on the gums. Other treatments include dental implants. Some people with this disease manage to live relatively normal lives with the help of these treatments.
Marfan Syndrome
This is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body. This can cause problems with the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and eyes.
People with Marfan Syndrome are often very tall and thin and can have stretch marks on their skin. Treatments are available to help people manage the symptoms. Many people with Marfan Syndrome can still live long and healthy lives with the help of these treatments.
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria
If you’ve seen the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” you have a basic idea of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria. This is a rare genetic disease that causes children to age rapidly. Although the movie took it to the next level, some parts of it accurately represented this disease.
Kids with this disease often look like significantly older people, and they often die from heart attacks or strokes at a very young age. There is currently no cure for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, but researchers are working hard to find one. In the meantime, there are treatments available to help kids with the disease. Thankfully, it only affects one in eight million children in the world.
Methemoglobinemia
Methemoglobinemia is a rare blood disorder that causes the body to produce an abnormal amount of methemoglobin. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood, which can be life-threatening.
There is no known cure for methemoglobinemia, and it can be very deadly. But there are treatments available. These treatments include giving the person oxygen and administering methylene blue.
Alkaptonuria
Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder that causes the body not to break down a certain protein. This can lead to the build-up of this protein in the body, which can damage the joints, heart, and eyes. This can eventually lead to death if not treated appropriately.
There is no cure for alkaptonuria, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. These treatments include taking medications and physical therapy. Some people with this disease have to wear braces on their feet or use a wheelchair to get around.
There are many different rare diseases out there, and it’s important to know about them all. If you or someone you know has one of these diseases, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are many people who are willing to help, and various medical centers are willing to treat it for free.
