What defines a congenital disease?

A congenital disease is defined as one that exists at or dates from birth. This means that the condition is present when a baby is born, regardless of its nature or cause. Congenital diseases can result from genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both, but the key characteristic is that they originate during the developmental period before birth.

For instance, some congenital diseases are caused by genetic mutations that are inherited from parents, while others may develop due to environmental factors during pregnancy. The distinction is that the defining feature of congenital diseases is their presence at birth, rather than the causes or circumstances leading to the condition.

Understanding this definition helps in identifying various congenital conditions and differentiating them from diseases that may develop later in life due to other factors.