Some populations are affected more than others by certain genetic diseases. For example, the Mediterranean area is the victim of a disease known since the time of the ancient Greeks. This leads to several problems and sufferers must avoid certain foods. However, sometimes this disease has no symptoms. It is therefore important to pay attention to the dangerous genetic disease widespread in Italy that not everyone knows they have.
All the fault of the X chromosome
In fact, we are talking about favism. This genetic disease is transmitted on the X chromosome of the mother to the children. For this reason it is much more common among males because they have only one X chromosome. Women, on the other hand, can be healthy carriers. Favism is also called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or G6PD-deficiency.
This complex name carries with it important meanings. Favism is in fact characterized by deficits and problems with the enzyme called G6PD, present above all on red blood cells. Favism may not cause symptoms, but when it does, it manifests itself in haemolytic crises that can have serious consequences. In fact, they can also lead to cardiovascular collapse.
The origin of the name and the symptoms
The term favism comes from the beans. Those who suffer from favism must in fact avoid this food. The beans, together too sometimes peas and verbena, in fact trigger the haemolytic crisis. In many cases it is necessary to eat these foods to feel bad, but sometimes the crisis is caused by simple contact. The flowers of these plants can also cause problems. Symptoms of favism usually appear 12 to 48 hours after contact.
These can include jaundice, dark urine, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and anemia. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention quickly. The professional will be able to observe the symptoms and make a correct diagnosis. The dangerous genetic disease widespread in Italy that not everyone knows they have must pay attention to those who have relatives affected by favism, due to the genetic nature of the disease.
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