A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. There are nearly 7,000 rare diseases. More than 25 million Americans have one. Rare diseases - May involve chronic illness, disability, and often premature death - Often have no treatment or not very effective treatment - Are frequently not diagnosed correctly - Are often very complex - Are often caused by changes in genes It can be hard to find a specialist who knows how to treat your rare disease. Disease advocacy groups, rare disease organizations, and genetics clinics may help you to find one. NIH: National Institutes of Health
What is (are) Rare Diseases ?