Closely identified with mental retardation, Down syndrome is a condition that occurs in 1 out of 800 live births. This article looks into this condition including its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
This condition came into medical attention in 1866 when it was first described by John Langdon Down. This chromosomal disorder is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 in the body, instead of the normal two, they have three. People who suffer of this syndrome have cognitive disabilities, impairment in growth and a particular facial characteristic. A small number of afflicted individuals have intense mental disability.
These individuals are also set apart y their physical appearance like abnormally small chin, round face, oversized tongue, almond shaped, slanting eyes, shorter limbs, wide spaced toes, single creased palms, poor muscle tones, and a high risk for congenital heart defects.
Since this is a problem with chromosomes, there is no known cure for it. Treatments for this condition focus on controlling the symptoms and the medical conditions that result due to this syndrome.
Treatments may include surgery, medications, counseling and support and regular checkups and screening.
Individuals with this condition are prone to congenital heart disease, immune system problems, thyroid problems, leukemia and cancers hearing problems among others.
Because of these medical conditions and their complications, there is an increased risk of premature death. This is why regular checkups are important. This helps ensure that improvements in health conditions are achieved.
These regular checkups also prevent early symptoms from breaking up into greater health problems. This is essential what with the unusually high risk of hearing and vision problems, and infections in people with this condition.
Surgical treatments are also used to correct some medical conditions seen in these people like congenital heart diseases and high blood pressure in the lungs. If heart defects were identified before pulmonary hypertension begins, surgery as treatment provides favorable outcomes in most cases. Also, eye problems like cataracts are seen early on in children. Cataracts can be surgically removed.
Counseling are for parents to help them better cope with the needs of their children with this syndrome. Parents have to learn as much as they can about this condition so they can better understand what their children are going through. Medical experts who deliver these counseling provide useful and much needed answers to questions about treatment options.
Down syndrome support groups are also a big help. Patients and their families can get together and discuss or share what they learned to assist each other in better coping with the disease. Individuals with this condition may request to talk with a healthcare expert about joining a support group. Supports are offered by these groups in person, over the phone, and even the internet.
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