Diagnosing & Treating Downs Syndrome

Downs syndrom is an illness that commonly affects an individual’s ability to learn at the same rate as others, along with sometimes causing physical disabilities. Individuals with downs syndrome can live a very happy and product lifestyle, but they do need to be monitored closely for any potential health complications that could arise at anytime.
Diagnosing downs syndrom can occur before a child is even born. With the help of certain tests used to screen for various complications during pregnancy, physicians are often able to tell an expectant woman whether or not her child has an increased chance of having downs syndrome. Even with the best screening, however, there is always the possibility of a false positive reading.
There is no one specific cause of the illness other than the fact that it occurs due to an extra copy of genetic material. Often occurring spontaneously, there are currently no known preventative measures that can be taken to guard against the development of downs syndrome. There are, however, some factors that may increase it’s probability, including increased maternal age.
Downs syndrome is believed to cause various other medical conditions, which means treatment is often sought for heart defects, muscular and/or skeletal abnormalities, respiratory problems, the development of sleep apnea, digestive defects, problems with the thyroid, an increased likelihood of developing leukemia, Alzheimer’s and eye problems. This does not mean that every individual with downs syndrome will develop these illnesses, but they may be more susceptible than others.
Just like any other child, education is an important part of life. Individuals who suffer from downs syndrome may or may not have a difficult time learning at the same level as their peers. In fact, many downs syndrome patients can be quite successful in school, but it is very important to evaluate each individual separately. If a downs syndrome child does begin to show learning problems, he/she may benefit from the use of a tutor or extra help from family members to make sure that they are getting personal attention to their questions.
The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of downs syndrome. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor for information regarding the likelihood of a child developing downs syndrome, a proper diagnosis and/or course of treatment.