Patient Education
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn about general health issues that may not be related to Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein
Family history
Having a family history means that a person has one or more blood relatives with a certain health problem. A doctor can look at a person's family history to get some idea of the person's risk for that health problem.
Blood relatives include relatives who are alive and those who have died. They may be:
- First-degree relatives (parents, sisters, brothers, and children).
- Second-degree relatives (aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandparents).
- Third-degree relatives (first cousins).
Some family histories are stronger than others. How strong a family history is depends on:
- How closely related a person is to the relatives with the health problem.
- How many relatives had or have the health problem.
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.