2007-10-20 21:23:53 · 3 answers · asked by Kanokkarn K 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Depending on when you were born, you should have been tested for PKU at birth (that is if you were born in the US). If you do have it, there would have been some pretty severe symptoms as you were growing up (such as seizures and mental retardation). If you are still concerned, go to your doctor and they will perform a simple blood test and will be able to tell you definitively if you have it or not.
2007-10-20 21:28:45 · answer #1 · answered by decemberthird1978 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since the early 1970's most infants are tested at birth. Early on after testing was initiated, a small fraction of phenylketonurics were missed. Testing has become more accurate over the years.
There are several variants (eg the Duarte variant) in which mentality may be normal, yet affected persons have elevated phenylalanine levels. If this is an area of concern, ask your physician about a referral to a genetic counselor. Accurate testing is available.
2007-10-20 23:01:59 · answer #2 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because it is diagnosed at birth,and if it isnt the child has mental and physical problems for the rest of their short lives
2007-10-20 21:30:43 · answer #3 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋