Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is an abundantly common disorder worldwide, and it’s a condition that causes several changes in different aspects of the child’s health in addition to the physical changes.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes an increase in the number of the chromosomes (the genetic substance) in the child. Normally, a person is born with 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes in total), but in the case of Down’s syndrome, there is an extra copy of chromosome 21, which makes the total number of chromosomes 47.

Down syndrome is the most common chromosome-related disorder in the world.

Causes of Down syndrome

• There isn’t a specific cause for Down’s syndrome, and it isn’t considered an inherited condition as well. This means that it doesn’t transfer from the parents to their children, but it often occurs randomly.
• The risk of Down’s syndrome might increase if the age of the pregnant mother is older than 35 years old.

Symptoms of Down syndrome

The symptoms of Down syndrome differ in their type and severity among affected children.

Physical symptoms

• Slanted eyes that point upward.
• A flat nose bridge.
• A short neck.
• Small ears, hands, and feet.
• Short height.
• Weak muscles at birth.
• One crease in the palm of the hand.

Cognitive and behavioral symptoms

• Developmental and intellectual growth problems.
• Impaired and delayed perception.
• Problems in speech and learning.
• Increased stubbornness and tantrums.
• Obsessive or compulsive behaviors.
• Difficulty paying attention and concentrating.

Complications of Down syndrome

Certain complications might result from Down syndrome, which might be mild or severe, such as:

• Heart problems.
• Digestive problems.
• Increased risk of autoimmune diseases.
• Spinal problems.
• Increased risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and leukemia.
• Overweight and obesity.
• Problems in the thyroid gland, vision, and hearing.
• Increased risk of seizures.
• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and autism.

Diagnosis of Down syndrome

• Down syndrome could be diagnosed during pregnancy through screening and blood tests.

Management of Down syndrome

• There isn’t a cure for Down syndrome, but it can be managed through several therapies that could help the child and the parents to cope with the condition and improve the child’s health in general, such as physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special social activities.