People with dwarfism have short stature: an adult height under 4 feet 10 inches. They usually have normal intelligence. Dwarfism most often occurs in families where both parents are of average height.
Causes
More than 300 different conditions can cause dwarfism.
- Achondroplasia is the most common. It is a genetic condition affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 40,000 people. It makes the arms and legs short compared with the head and trunk, and may also bring a larger head and weak muscle tone.
- Other causes include other genetic conditions, kidney disease, and problems with metabolism or hormones.
Health and outlook
The conditions that cause dwarfism can also cause other health problems, but most of them are treatable. Regular checkups throughout life are important. With proper medical care, most people with dwarfism lead active lives and live as long as other people.
Sources
- "Dwarfism," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/dwarfism.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
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