People with Down syndrome face all thehealth-related issues that a normal person faces. Early diagnosis of diseases and proper treatment can always be advantageous. Among kids with Down Syndrome syndrome respiratory health conditions are highly likely, particulaly before age 5, Their tongues are relatively bigger campared to their mouth, thus difficulties in breathing are common while sleeping. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the head on a little higher level use a thick pillow while sleeping. In addition, skin diseases and urinary tract infection, are also common that might be linked to Poor immunity.

HEART PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Usually 50 % of all children with Down syndrome are born with heart problem. The three of the most common heart conditions are as follows.

1.An Atrioventricular septal defect ( AVSD) occurs when there are holes between the right and left side of the heart, and the valved that control the blood flow between the two sides may not be formed correctly. This is the most frequently diagnosed congenital heart condition in children with Down syndrome.

2. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). It is a heart defect caused by problems In the heart’s development.

3. Tetralogy of Fallot.(TOF). A rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth. Early intervention and proper care help to ensure children with heart imperfections live healty life.

THYROID GLAND ABNORMALITIES

Thyroid gland-associated medical conditions are also common among kids with Down syndrome. Hypothyroidism results from faulty thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is basically involved in controlling how quickly body uses energy, makes proteins, and regulates homones. In hypothyroidism, the formatiom of hormone thyroxine is decreased. Thyroxine is the hormone that promotes growth of the brain and other body tissue.
It is also common in adults with Down Syndrome and can leads to tiredness, slow thinking, change in weight, and irretibility. Hypothyroidism can occur at any time from infancy through adulthood.

DIAGNOSIS — Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed by a blood test. It is advisable to do the thyroid test at the age of 6 months and 12 months and thereafter annually. It is very important to identify, hypothyroidism early and treat it to avoid the health issues of the child with Down syndrome..

HEARING IMPAIRMENT

On average 80% of kids with Down syndrome are born with hearing disabilities. These conditions pair up with speech delays where speech therapy is recommended for kids with Down syndrome.

Deafness is also common among kids with Downs syndrome which is mainly attributed to anatomical deformities which get aggravated due to poor immunity. Adults with Down syndrome are also at high risk for conductive hearing loss. Further, frequent ear wax impactions can also impair hearing. Hearing is vital for their development, educational purposes, speech, and social interactions. Poor hearing can impair accurate pronunciation, ultimately causing expressive difficulties. Therefore, these conditions should be assessed by periodic screening with an audiologist.

VISION

Down syndrome creates issues with vision and can range from less severe problems like tear duct abnormalities to vision-threatening diagnoses such as early-age cataracts. An initial eye examination is recommended at birth and also within the first 6 months of life and should be followed up with regular eye examinations.

ORAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

In general, no serious conditions are associated with Down syndrome and oral health implications. There is an increased risk of developing conditions such as dental anomalies ( missing or extra teeth, abnormal tooth shape, delayed tooth eruption, large tongue), periodontal disease (poor oral hygiene, immune system deficiencies, decreased manual dexterity), malocclusion dental and skeletal abnormalities), and bruxism (tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches). Routine dentist visits are recommended for persons with Down syndrome and the dental care providers require special consideration to secure a positive experience.

SLEEP

Individuals (50-76%) with Down syndrome often experience difficulties in sleeping usually with the onset of sleep, poorer rapid eye Movement (REM) sleep quality, and decreased ability to stay asleep. Furthe their tongues are relatively bigger compared to their mouth, thus difficulties in breathing are common while sleeping. Therefore, It is advisable to keep the head on a little higher level using a suitable pillow.

In addition, skin diseases and urinary tract infections are also common that might be linked to poor immunity. Heart diseases on average 47% kids of Down Syndrome suffer from heart diseases and 15% have somewhat critical conditions. Early detection of such health issues can help in the process of receiving appropriate medical assistance to enhance living conditions.

THYROID GLAND ABNORMALITIES

Thyroid gland-associated medical conditions are also common among kids with Down syndrome . It is very important to identify hypothyroidism early and treat it to avoid further deterioration of mental capacity.

HEARING DISABILITIES

On average 80% of kids with Down syndrome are born with hearing disabilities. These conditions pair up with speech delays where speech therapy is recommended for kids with Down syndrome.

Deafness is also common among kids with Downs syndrome which is mainly aributed to anatomical deformities which get aggravated due to poor immunity. Adults with Down syndrome are also at high risk for conductive hearing loss. Further, frequent ear wax impactions can also impair hearing. Hearing is vital for their development, educational purposes, speech, and social interactions. Poor hearing can impair accurate pronunciation, ultimately causing expressive difficulties. Therefore, these conditions should be assessed by periodic screening with an audiologis

POOR MUSCLE TONE

Poor muscle tone, less muscular strength, and weak ligaments make their movements such as rolling, crawling, and walking slower than those of a normal child. Physical therapy could help them improve. Proper exercise by a trained person could help them develop proper muscle tone to have a beer posture and engage themselves in sporting activities.