Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) can manifest in various ways depending on its severity. The disorder is divided into two main types: classic CAH and non-classic CAH, each with distinct symptoms.
1. Classic CAH (Severe Form)
Classic CAH is the more dangerous form of the disorder, often presenting shortly after birth or during early childhood. It includes two subtypes: salt-wasting CAH and simple virilizing CAH.
- Salt-Wasting CAH: This is the most severe form and can be life-threatening. It impairs the body’s ability to retain salt and water, leading to dehydration, vomiting, low blood pressure, and shock in infants. Early intervention is critical, as undiagnosed salt-wasting CAH can be fatal within weeks of birth.
- Simple Virilizing CAH: Although it doesn’t involve the salt-wasting symptoms, this type leads to early puberty in both boys and girls. Boys may develop a deep voice and facial hair prematurely, while girls may be born with ambiguous genitalia. This can cause significant distress if left untreated.
2. Non-Classic CAH (Mild Form)
Non-classic CAH is less severe and often doesn’t present symptoms until adolescence or adulthood. This form may not be detected in newborn screenings, so parents should be aware of signs that could arise later, such as:
- Irregular menstrual cycles in teenage girls
- Excessive body hair (hirsutism) and severe acne
- Rapid growth during childhood but shorter stature as an adult
- Fertility problems in both males and females
In both forms of CAH, hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on your child’s physical development and overall health. If any of these signs are present, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further testing.
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The Hidden Dangers of Undiagnosed CAH
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, CAH can cause a range of health complications that go beyond the obvious physical symptoms. The most immediate danger comes from the salt-wasting form of CAH, where untreated cases can result in a life-threatening crisis.
Long-term risks of untreated CAH include:
- Adrenal Crises: Without enough cortisol, the body cannot respond properly to stress. This can lead to an adrenal crisis during illness, injury, or surgery, resulting in vomiting, severe fatigue, low blood pressure, and shock. Adrenal crises can be fatal if not treated promptly with hormone therapy.
- Stunted Growth: While children with CAH may experience rapid growth during childhood due to excess androgen production, they may stop growing prematurely, resulting in shorter adult height.
- Fertility Issues: In both males and females, untreated CAH can disrupt reproductive function, leading to fertility challenges later in life.
- Psychological and Social Impact: Ambiguous genitalia in females or early onset of puberty in both sexes can cause emotional and psychological distress. Children may struggle with body image, identity issues, and social stigmas.
