Down's Syndrome: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes developmental and intellectual delays. It occurs when an extra copy of chromosome 21 is produced due to abnormal cell division. It is the most common cause of learning disabilities in children. It can also result in medical abnormalities like heart and gastrointestinal disorders. It is a lifelong disorder and cannot be cured but treatments can help in dealing with it better. Every person with Down syndrome is different with different intellectual disabilities that may be mild, moderate or severe. You must look out for signs like flattened face, unusually shaped or small ears, poor muscle tone, excessive flexibility, tiny white spots on the iris of the eye and short height in your child. The earlier Down syndrome is detected, the more beneficial treatments can be for the individual.

There is no difference between both in terms of their medical definitions. The only difference both of the names carry is their use in different languages. While some use just Down, others use Down’s.

Summary: There is no difference between Down Syndrome and Down's syndrome in terms of its detonations.

The genetic mutation does not have any dominance of any particular gender, it can happen to both males and females. However, the ratio of male patients is higher than females, some of the studies also show the probability of Down Syndrome with other factors like region, cast, and origin of the bloodline.

Summary: The genetic mutation does not have any dominance of any particular gender. It can happen to both males and females with the same impact.

Screening and diagnostic tests can generally tell if a pregnant woman is carrying a baby with Down syndrome. This makes it easier for the doctor as treatment can start immediately after the birth. If your child has Down syndrome, you will have to go through several specialists in order to bring the condition in control. A primary care paediatrician should be the first person you consult in this situation. He will provide routine childhood care along with managing and supervising all other treatment plans. Paediatric cardiologist will look after the health of the child’s heart, paediatric gastroenterologist will make sure that gastrointestinal disorders are avoided, paediatric neurologist will diagnose as well as treat the brain and nervous system disorders and paediatric endocrinologist will look after the endocrine gland that is responsible for the secretion of hormones in our body. An occupational therapist will assist in using adaptive products like walkers or electric wheel chairs, to develop daily skills in the child. If your child is suffering from speech and language disorders, a speech- language pathologist will help overcome these problems. To help improve strength and walking skills and stretch muscles, you will have to consult a physical therapist.

You must observe your child well for any signs of flattened face, unusually shaped or small ears, poor muscle tone, short neck, small head, excessive flexibility, tiny white spots on the iris of the eye and short height. The sooner Down syndrome is detected; the more chances there are of improvement.

Do not consider every minor disability to be Down syndrome. Some disabilities can be cured at home with proper care and medication.

There are no known side effects of Down syndrome treatment.

Try to make your child as independent as possible. He must be encouraged to do the daily chores on his own. Keep making regular appointments with your primary care paediatrician to keep a check on the improvement.

Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. It cannot be cured fully. It can just be brought under control over a period of time, depending on the severity of the condition.

The cost of treatment may depend upon the number and type of specialists needed in your particular case.

People with Down syndrome can go to mainstream schools, read, write, have a family and lead a totally normal life; if proper and timely care is provided.

There are no alternatives to the treatment.

Conclusion: Down Syndrome and down's syndrome is medical condition that causes abnormal division of body cells leading to speedy ageing. Their bodies may show signs of slow growth due to their early maturity. This is a genetic mutation that only happens by inheritance by one or both parents. There is no specific treatment designed to cure the syndrome, however, there are many ways that one can slow the effects of disease on an individual body.