Dwarves or Gaints?

Dwarfism is a disorder showing a short stature. It was first defined by the advocacy group Little People of America with heights of 4 feet 10 inches and below which is generally a result of a genetic or medical condition. Even though the criteria for dwarfism were extended to 5 feet, the average height of an adult with dwarfism is 4 feet. There are two types of dwarfism, the disproportionate and the proportionate. The disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by an average-sized torso with shorter limbs or a shorter trunk with distinct longer limbs. In proportionate dwarfism, on the other hand, the trunk and the limbs are proportionate but are short. There are 200 conditions that might have caused dwarfism. The proportionate dwarfism is caused by metabolic and hormonal disorders such as deficiency in growth hormones. One of the most common types of dwarfism is the skeletal dysplasia which is a genetic condition. It is an abnormal growth of bone that usually causes disproportionate dwarfism. 

Giantism is a peculiar condition that causes an abnormal growth in the young. It happens when the body of a child produces excessive amounts of growth hormones. The diagnosis for this condition should be done as early as possible. Treatments are available to stop the changes that may cause the person in growing far from the usual. This condition has become a problem especially to parents because of its difficulty in diagnosing due to the appearance of its symptoms that usually occurs when the normal childhood growth spurts. The primary cause of this condition is the tumor in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces the hormones that control most of the body’s functions. In the event that a tumor grows in this gland, it will produce more growth hormones than the body needs. Surgery in the tumor of the pituitary gland is also considered an effective treatment for giantism.

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces excessive growth hormone during adulthood. In this condition, the bones increase in size which inlodes those in the hands, feet, and face. This condition usually attacks the middle-aged adults. Acromegaly isn’t recognized immediately because it is not common and the physical changes occur gradually. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a more serious disease and may even become life-threatening. Treatments are now available to reduce the risk of complications caused by acromegaly and to improve the symptoms including the enlargement of the body features. 

   

These conditions can all be caused by a hormonal imbalance that could be from a malfunctioning gland. Genetic disorders can also be the beginning point of these conditions and thus early diagnosis must be observed so as to apply necessary intervention on time. Dwarfism, as said above, shows an unusual smaller size of the body of a person which makes it different to the two other conditions. Giantism and acromegaly are both conditions that show an excessive growth from a body part or even the whole stature of the person. The difference between these two is that giantism occurs in children while acromegaly targets the middle-aged adults. These three disorders can now be treated yet early diagnosis still leads the most important tools in correcting such conditions.

References:

• Acromegaly Definition - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/basics/definition/con-20019216
• Dwarfism Definition - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dwarfism/basics/definition/con-20032297
• Gigantism: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/gigantism#TrendingNow7