Dealing with Down Syndrome Babies

Dealing with Down Syndrome Babies

Dealing With The Birth Defect Syndrome

Author: Sandra Wilson

Down syndrome remains to be the most common birth defect syndrome to date. In fact, the National Down Syndrome Society claims that around 350,000 babies and grown ups are suffering from down syndrome in the United States alone. It is a chromosomal disorder that usually concerns a combination of birth abnormalities. Babies born with this birth defect syndrome suffer from a certain level of mental retardation. It also comes along with heart ailments and other health problems. In some cases, irregularities are also present in the newborn's facial features. Birth defect pictures can better explain to us how the birth defect syndrome exactly affects the facial appearance of a patient.

Down syndrome is usually attributed to the extra genetic material from the chromosome. As we all know, chromosomes are the structure in our cells which contain the genes. When the sperm or egg cell divides incorrectly prior to fertilization, this results to the syndrome.

This birth defect syndrome can cause a wide range of health problems on the patient. Some of which include the following:

Heart ailments – About half of the newborns born with Down syndrome suffer heart ailments. Such heart irregularity may vary from mild to severe. Minor heart defects can be treated through regular medication while severe ailments may need a surgery. All newborns suffering Down syndrome should be examined by a pediatric cardiologist – a doctor who specializes in heart ailments of children. An echocardiogram is also highly advised especially during the first two months. This helps detect the kind of heart ailment that your baby is suffering from.

Intestinal problems - Approximately 12 percent of babies suffering from Down Syndrome have to deal with irregularities in the intestine as well. In most cases, the intestinal malformation can be treated through surgery.

Vision problems – More than half of the patients suffering from Down syndrome suffer from vision abnormalities. The most common of which includes far-sightedness, near-sightedness, cataracts and esotropia. If your newborn is found to suffer this birth defect syndrome, it is highly advised that have him or her examined by a pediatric ophthalmologist at least within the first six months. Regular vision exams is also important in order to monitor the patient's eye condition. Surgery, glasses or other treatments can help improve the patient's vision in time.

Hearing problems – Hearing loss is common among Down Syndrome patients. In fact, around 75 percent of patients experience hearing problems. This is because fluid can accumulate in the middle ear. For some patients, this is temporary. For others, it is not. If your baby suffers from Down Syndrome, it is very important that you have him / her undergo hearing exams in order to receive necessary treatments as soon as possible.

Infections – Down Syndrome patients tend to be very sensitive to ear infections. They are also prone to pneumonia and bronchitis. Given this, it is very important that kids suffering from this birth defect syndrome receive the necessary childhood immunization that they need.

Given the fact that most of these health problems associated with the abnormality can now be treated, the outlook on Down Syndrome has become brighter and easier to deal with. However, Down Syndrome patients should be given special care and treatment. More than just the medical support, patients deserve to feel loved and respected by their parents and loved ones, all the time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/dealing-with-the-birth-defect-syndrome-1139651.html

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