Therapy
The aim of the treatment plan is to reduce pain, promote growth and development and encourage children to be as independent as possible. If you have a baby with Down’s syndrome, you will be linked to a care team, which will consist of a number of different health professionals. The care team will cover all aspects of your child’s care including medical care, physiotherapy, speech …
Is there any natural treatment for Down syndrome?
This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they …
Is there a new cure for Down syndrome?
Speech therapy will help your child to learn to communicate effectively and eye and hearing specialists will help to ensure your child’s eye sight and hearing and tested regularly and treated appropriately. Many people with Down’s syndrome learn to live independently with a little help from friends and family and their care team.
What are the treatments and therapies for Down syndrome?
Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional needs and counselling. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition.
How do health care providers diagnose Down syndrome?
Sep 20, 2012 · Intravenous glutathione is impractical given the daily and constant need for glutathione throughout the lifetime of a patient with DS. Other forms of administration are available, including nebulized glutathione, sublingual …
What tests can be done to determine if a baby has Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests can identify or diagnose whether your baby has Down syndrome. Your health care provider can discuss the types of tests, advantages and disadvantages, benefits and risks, and the meaning of your results. If appropriate, your provider may recommend that you talk to a genetics counselor.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Early intervention for infants and children with Down syndrome can make a major difference in improving their quality of life. Because each child with Down syndrome is unique, treatment will depend on individual needs. Also, different stages of life may require different services.
When is integrated screening done?
The integrated screening test is done in two parts during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The results are combined to estimate the risk that your baby has Down syndrome.
Can you test for Down syndrome while pregnant?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends offering the option of screening tests and diagnostic tests for Down syndrome to all pregnant women, regardless of age. Screening tests can indicate the likelihood or chances that a mother is carrying a baby with Down syndrome. But these tests can't tell for sure or diagnose whether ...
What is nuchal translucency?
This is known as a nuchal translucency screening test. When abnormalities are present, more fluid than usual tends to collect in this neck tissue. Using your age and the results of the blood test and the ultrasound, your doctor or genetic counselor can estimate your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
How to help people with Down syndrome?
Participate in social and leisure activities. Take time for family outings and look in your community for social activities such as park district programs, sports teams or ballet classes. Although some adaptations may be required, children and adults with Down syndrome can enjoy social and leisure activities.
Is screening for Down syndrome a part of prenatal care?
Screening for Down syndrome is offered as a routine part of prenatal care . Although screening tests can only identify your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome, they can help you make decisions about more-specific diagnostic tests.
What do kids with Down syndrome need?
Most kids with Down syndrome need therapies of various types. Some are focused on helping patients reach physical milestones at the same rate as those who don't have the disorder. Others are aimed at helping them become as independent as possible when they reach adulthood.
Is Down syndrome a disease?
Common Characteristics of Down Syndrome. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) isn't a disease or condition that can be managed or cured with medication or surgery. The goal of treatment, therefore, is not to address the disorder itself, but rather the variety of health issues, medical conditions, and physical, developmental, ...
What is early intervention?
Early intervention, according to the NDSS, is a "systematic program of therapy, exercises, and activities designed to address developmental delays that may be experienced by children with Down syndrome or other disabilities. ". 1 Early intervention typically includes these three types of therapy:
Can Down syndrome cause hearing loss?
Speech therapy: Children with Down syndrome often have small mouths and slightly enlarged tongues—features that can make it hard for them to speak clearly. These problems can be made worse in children with hypotonia because low muscle tone can affect the face. Hearing loss also can affect speech development.
What is the name of the defect in the heart that interferes with normal blood flow?
Certain birth defects are common in babies with Down syndrome. One of these is an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), in which a hole in the heart interferes with normal blood flow. 5 An AVSD is treated surgically by patching the hole and, if necessary, repairing any valves in the heart that may not close completely.
Can Down syndrome be treated with medication?
Many of the health problems that affect someone with Down syndrome can be managed with medication—typically the same medication that would be given to a person who doesn't have Down syndrome.
What is the deformity of the duodenum?
Some babies with Down syndrome are born with a deformity of the duodenum (a tube that allows digested food to pass from the stomach into the small bowel) called duodenal atresia. 6 It requires surgery to be repaired but isn't considered an emergency if there are other more pressing medical issues. Duodenal atresia can be dealt with temporarily with a tube placed to decompress swelling in the stomach and intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that often result from the condition.
What is the best treatment for Down syndrome?
Physical Therapy . Physical therapy focuses on improving how a person moves. Because children and adults with Down Syndrome commonly have poor muscle tone and smaller hands, physical therapy can allay any difficulties caused by these traits.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Even before a child with Down Syndrome reaches school age, various therapies can help.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
While there is no cure for Down Syndrome, there are therapies, treatments, and educational support available to improve the quality of life of those affected. The exact course of treatment will depend on the individual, taking into account the person’s age, overall health, environment, and personal strengths and limitations.
What is the best way to teach children with Down syndrome?
Touchscreen tablets and computers are useful for children with Down Syndrome who struggle with performing fine motor movements. Educational software approaches learning via interaction and implementing sight, sound, and touch, which can make lessons more accessible and appealing.
How does speech therapy help children with Down syndrome?
The overall goal is to improve the child’s ability to communicate. One thing to watch out for in particular is hearing loss. Due to anatomical differences in children with Down Syndrome, they are prone to fluid retention behind the eardrum that can cause hearing loss. Even though the fluid can be drained, this sometimes-chronic condition exemplifies how a child’s learning of auditory language can be disrupted. The result is, of course, life-long difficulties in speech and understanding. Communication takes many forms, and your child’s specific needs will shape what is stressed during therapy sessions.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Unlike physical therapists, occupational therapists work on improving fine motor skills and the performance of daily tasks like getting dressed, brushing one’s teeth, and eating. As the child gets older, the focus will shift to skills like writing and using a computer.
What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
Other medical problems. Your child may also have other less common issues that need treatment, such as: 1 Blockage in the intestine. Some babies with Down syndrome get Hirschsprung ’s disease, where part of the intestine gets blocked. This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. 2 Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they may get sick more often. There’s no treatment for this, but it means that getting vaccines on time is even more important. 3 Thyroid problems. The thyroid makes hormones your body need. In kids with Down syndrome, it sometimes doesn’t make enough. If that happens, your child will take medicine to help.
Do kids with Down syndrome go to school?
Many kids with Down syndrome go to their neighborhood schools along with all the other kids. This can be great not only for your child, but for the other children as well. Your child also has the right to get services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which starts at age 3.
Can Down syndrome cause hearing loss?
Many children with Down syndrome have hearing loss in one or both ears. Because of that, your child will likely have regular visits with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to catch any issues early on. Sometimes hearing problems are caused by fluid build-up in the ears.
Can adenoids cause sleep apnea?
Sometimes, larger-than-normal tonsils and adenoids cause sleep apnea. In this case, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove them. Leukemia. Children with Down syndrome are at a 10- to 20-fold increase for developing this blood cancer. But the risk is still at 2%.
What is early intervention?
Early Intervention. Most states offer programs that provide a range of services for children up to 3 years old. These programs can boost your child’s physical and mental growth. They typically have therapists and teachers who are specially trained to help kids learn a variety of skills, such as how to:
Why is it important to have a regular eye checkup?
Regular check-ups are important from the time of birth, and throughout a person’s life. During the first year, eye problems in particular are common and will be carefully assessed during check-ups. Many with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing certain health problems and serious medical conditions.
What is a baby's physical exam?
During the physical examination, a baby will also be assessed for any obvious signs of potential problems. A baby with Down syndrome will be tested for medical problems, particularly with the heart, thyroid and eyes.
Is Down syndrome a fault?
The effort a parent puts in to better understand their child’s condition, the greater the chances of their success: Learn about what Down syndrome is and why it happens: For the most part, producing a child with Down syndrome is not anyone’s fault. Genetic material merely develops in a way that is beyond anyone’s control.
What is the treatment for Down syndrome?
Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupa tional therapy, nutritional needs and counselling. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition. ...
Can birth defects be corrected?
Many birth defects can be corrected through surgery which can become costly. Where parents can, seek out medical health insurance which will help to cover some of the necessary health costs. It may be necessary for considerably more medical check-ups for a child with Down syndrome than others.
Why is speech therapy important?
During early stages, speech therapy and physical therapy are critical and can help to ensure that a baby / child develops sufficiently enough to better enhance their quality of life during adulthood. It will take time and patience from everyone involved, but a child will learn to master a variety of skills.
What is the purpose of a comprehensive treatment plan?
Once diagnosed and all relevant checks and tests have been conducted, a doctor will put together a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure that a child remains as healthy as possible as he or she grows. Different stages will require different phases of treatment and services.
What is DS in medical terms?
Erica Peirson, ND. Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common congenital anomalies worldwide, affecting approximately 14 in 10 000 live births. 1 The syndrome occurs as a result of extra genetic material, full or partial, from chromosome 21. This additional genetic material can lead to symptoms that include anatomic, immunologic, endocrine, ...
How to help patients with DS?
More research is needed to fully understand the syndrome as a whole. The current standard of care for patients with DS includes little to none of the information offered in this article. Allopathic medical pediatricians need to catch up with the research that is available to better aid their patients with D S.
Why is zinc low in DS?
Zinc deficiency has been implicated as a key factor in the increased rates of lymphopenia, skin conditions, hypogonadism, delayed growth, and upper respiratory tract infections seen in patients with DS. 36,37 Plasma and urine levels of zinc have been shown to be low in children with DS. 38 It can be postulated that the cause of low zinc levels is attributed to zinc being sequestered in its role as a cofactor for copper-zinc SOD that is overexpressed. However, studies linking these 2 factors have not been performed to date. Zinc deficiencies should be addressed regardless of their cause.
What are the goals of treating DS?
Once life-threatening conditions such as heart defects and hypothyroidism are addressed, the following goals are sought: (1) Improving cognition leads to increased success with independent living, social interactions, and education. (2) Extending life expectancy includes reducing overall organ damage that occurs with DS and contributes to patients’ shorter life spans. (3) Preventing Alzheimer disease (AD) is paramount to helping patients with DS as they age.
How to live a long life with DS?
Eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and colorful antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables is key for anyone wanting to live a long life. It is particularly important for patients with DS given their increased levels of oxidative stress. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight is vital to optimizing cardiovascular function and joint health. This can be a challenge for patients with DS if gross motor challenges prevent them from participating in exercise. Supplementing with vitamins that are found to be deficient can help with overall energy, neuromuscular function, and motivation to get up and move.
Does vitamin A help with DS?
Vitamin A is commonly used in the treatment of DS. The levels of vitamin A in patients with DS have been studied as far back as the 1970s. 39,40 However, some evidence indicates that vitamin A deficiencies are seen in patients with DS, 41 and other evidence indicates that no such deficiencies are seen. 42 This is further proof that testing is important before beginning supplementation, especially with high-dose fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A. Signs of vitamin A deficiency include dry skin, dry hair, night blindness, broken fingernails, and decreased resistance to infections.
What is the role of chromosomes in DS?
The role of chromosomes is to code for proteins. Because patients with DS have extra chromosome material, they experience genetic overexpression of specific amino acids and polypeptides. One of the proteins that is overexpressed in DS is copper-zinc superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD-1). 11 The genes coding for this important antioxidant are found on chromosome 21 (21q21-22.3) in an area called the DS critical region. Case reports of partial trisomy 21 support the hypothesis that the genes in this region are involved in the phenotype of DS. 12-14 Moreover, SOD-1 activity has been found to be increased by about 50% in all tissues of patients with DS. 15
