The adrenal glands (small organs that lay on top of the kidneys) in babies with this inherited disorder are unable to make two hormones called cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps the body to cope with stress and aldosterone helps control salt balance. Too little of these hormones may cause vomiting, dehydration, low blood pressure and even death. CAH also causes problems with growth and development. Screening and early treatment with special medicines can help prevent these problems. Most people with CAH enjoy normal healthy lives with few problems. One baby in 16,000 is born in BC with CAH.
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