Recognizing June 2010 as National Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiecstasia (HHT) Month
Washington D.C. – In a significant step towards raising public awareness and understanding of a rare genetic condition, Congress has officially recognized June 2010 as National Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiecstasia (HHT) Month. This designation, formalized through Senate Resolution 508 (IS), aims to shed light on HHT, a complex genetic disorder affecting blood vessels.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiecstasia, commonly known as HHT, is a relatively uncommon inherited disorder that impacts the development of blood vessels. The condition can lead to abnormal connections between arteries and veins, known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and the formation of small, fragile blood vessels called telangiectasias. These abnormalities can occur in various parts of the body, including the nose, mouth, lungs, brain, and digestive tract.
The most common symptom of HHT is recurrent nosebleeds, often severe and difficult to control. Individuals with HHT may also experience bleeding in other areas, such as the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to anemia. Involvement of the lungs can result in shortness of breath and an increased risk of stroke, while brain AVMs can present with headaches, seizures, or even hemorrhage.
While HHT affects approximately 70,000 people in the United States, it is believed to be significantly underdiagnosed. This lack of widespread awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and management, potentially impacting the quality of life for those affected.
The establishment of National HHT Month is a crucial initiative designed to:
- Increase Public Awareness: Educate the general public about the signs, symptoms, and implications of HHT.
- Promote Early Diagnosis: Encourage individuals who may be experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and discuss HHT with their healthcare providers.
- Support Research: Highlight the importance of ongoing research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of HHT.
- Foster Community Engagement: Provide a platform for patients, families, and advocacy groups to share their experiences and support one another.
The recognition of June 2010 as National HHT Month by the Senate underscores a growing commitment to addressing the needs of individuals with rare diseases. By bringing greater attention to HHT, this initiative hopes to improve the lives of those affected by this complex genetic disorder and foster a more informed and supportive society.
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govinfo.gov Congressional Bills published ‘S. Res. 508 (IS) – Recognizing June 2010 as National Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiecstasia (HHT) month established to increase awa reness of HHT, which is a complex genetic blood vessel disorder that affects approximately 70,000 people in the United States.’ at 2025-08-22 13:15. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.