There is no cure for Down syndrome. But a child with Down syndrome may need treatment for problems such as: Heart defects. About half of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects.
Full Answer
What is Down syndrome and how is it treated?
Children with Down syndrome may have thyroid problems and leukemia. They also tend to have many colds, as well as bronchitis and pneumonia. Your child should get regular medical care and stay up to date on vaccines. Learning problems. These vary widely from child to child. They can be mild, moderate, or severe.
What is Down syndrome in children?
Jun 22, 2012 · Children with Down syndrome are much more likely than other children to develop leukemia(pronounced loo-KEE-mee-uh), which is cancer of the white blood cells. Children with leukemia should receive appropriate cancer treatment, which may include chemotherapy. 5 Those with Down syndrome are also more likely to have anemia (low iron in the blood) and …
What are the health problems of people with Down syndrome?
in people with Down syndrome; they understand more than they can verbalize. Also, ordinary activities of daily living and understanding the behavior of others as well as their own can present challenges. Listen actively, since speaking may be difficult for people with Down syndrome. Show your patient whether you understand.
Why do babies with Down Syndrome need surgery?
Despite the advances, children with Down syndrome continue to have a higher risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal abnormalities and dementia. Early diagnosis and treatment of these associated conditions leads to better outcomes.
Do people with Down syndrome get sick more often?
Infections. Respiratory infections are more common among people with Down syndrome, especially during the first five years of life. Infections of the skin and the bladder also tend to be common.
What medical problems happen more often with Down syndrome?
Having Down syndrome also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Other problems. Down syndrome may also be associated with other health conditions, including endocrine problems, dental problems, seizures, ear infections, and hearing and vision problems.Mar 8, 2018
How does Down syndrome affect the immune system?
People with Down syndrome show signs of chronic immune dysregulation, including a higher prevalence of autoimmune disorders, increased rates of hospitalization during respiratory viral infections, and higher mortality rates from pneumonia and sepsis.May 19, 2020
Do kids with Down syndrome get sick easily?
We know that children with Down's syndrome are more likely than other children to become unwell. When they do, they tend to get more ill more quickly.
What are some of the difficulties that people taking care of children with Down's syndrome typically face?
Medical problems that happen more often with Down syndrome include:thyroid problems (usually hypothyroidism)stomach and intestinal problems, including celiac disease, reflux, and constipation.seizures.breathing problems, including sleep apnea and asthma.obesity.infections, including ear infections and pneumonia.More items...
Which of the following medical conditions are those most commonly associated with Down syndrome select all that apply?
Hearing and vision problems are the most common medical conditions associated with Down syndrome.Oct 16, 2017
Do kids with Down syndrome have weaker immune systems?
Children with Down syndrome (DS) suffer from recurrent respiratory infections, which represent the leading cause of mortality during childhood. This susceptibility to infections is usually considered multifactorial and related to both impaired immune function and non-immunological factors.May 8, 2020
Do children with Down syndrome have a lower immune system?
A well-nourished individual with Down's Syndrome, living in the community, in good housing and free of other diseases, will not suffer the rates of infection associated with a defined primary immunodeficiency.
How does Down syndrome affect the respiratory system?
The upper respiratory tract in persons with Down syndrome is often narrow due to congenital and associated conditions [23–25]. The trachea is often smaller in children with Down syndrome [26], and tracheal bronchus contributes to recurrent pneumonia [27, 28].
Do people with Down syndrome need medicine?
Children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome also need the same regular medical care as those without the condition, from well-baby visits and routine vaccinations as infants to reproductive counseling and cardiovascular care later in life.Jan 31, 2017
What treatments are available for Down syndrome?
Down syndrome cannot be cured. Early treatment programs can help improve skills. They may include speech, physical, occupational, and/or educational therapy.Mar 16, 2022
Do people with Down syndrome have impaired immune systems?
Children with Down syndrome (DS) suffer from recurrent respiratory infections, which represent the leading cause of mortality during childhood. This susceptibility to infections is usually considered multifactorial and related to both impaired immune function and non-immunological factors.May 8, 2020
What Is Down Syndrome?
How Many Babies Are Born with Down Syndrome?
- Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. This means that Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 babies.1
Types of Down Syndrome
- There are three types of Down syndrome. People often can’t tell the difference between each type without looking at the chromosomes because the physical features and behaviors are similar. 1. Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.2With this type of Down syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual …
Causes and Risk Factors
- The extra chromosome 21 leads to the physical features and developmental challenges that can occur among people with Down syndrome. Researchers know that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromos...
- One factor that increases the risk for having a baby with Down syndrome is the mother’s age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a preg…
- The extra chromosome 21 leads to the physical features and developmental challenges that can occur among people with Down syndrome. Researchers know that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromos...
- One factor that increases the risk for having a baby with Down syndrome is the mother’s age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected b...
Diagnosis
- There are two basic types of tests available to detect Down syndrome during pregnancy: screening tests and diagnostic tests. A screening test can tell a woman and her healthcare provider whether her pregnancy has a lower or higher chance of having Down syndrome. Screening tests do not provide an absolute diagnosis, but they are safer for the mother and the …
Screening Tests
- Screening tests often include a combination of a blood test, which measures the amount of various substances in the mother’s blood (e.g., MS-AFP, Triple Screen, Quad-screen), and an ultrasound, which creates a picture of the baby. During an ultrasound, one of the things the technician looks at is the fluid behind the baby’s neck. Extra fluid in this region could indicate a g…
Diagnostic Tests
- Diagnostic tests are usually performed after a positive screening test in order to confirm a Down syndrome diagnosis. Types of diagnostic tests include: 1. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)—examines material from the placenta 2. Amniocentesis—examines the amniotic fluid (the fluid from the sac surrounding the baby) 3. Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)—exa…
Other Health Problems
- Many people with Down syndrome have the common facial features and no other major birth defects. However, some people with Down syndrome might have one or more major birth defects or other medical problems. Some of the more common health problems among children with Down syndrome are listed below.8 1. Hearing loss 2. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a conditi…
Other Resources
- The views of these organizations are their own and do not reflect the official position of CDC. 1. Down Syndrome Research Foundation (DSRF)external icon DSRF initiates research studies to better understand the learning styles of those with Down syndrome. 2. Global Down Syndrome Foundationexternal icon This foundation is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of peop…