What health concerns are often observed in people with Down syndrome?
The child with Down syndrome is in need of the same kind of medical care as any other child. The pediatrician or family physician should provide general health maintenance, immunizations, attend to medical emergencies, and offer support and counseling to the family. There are, however, situations when children with Down syndrome need special attention. 1. Sixty to 80 percent of children with Down syndrome have hearing deficits. Therefore, audiologic assessments at an early age and follow-up hearing tests are indicated. If there is a significant hearing loss, the child should be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist. 2. Forty to 45 percent of children with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease. Many of these children will have to undergo cardiac surgery and often will need long term care by a pediatric cardiologist. 3. Intestinal abnormalities also occur at a higher frequency in children with Down syndrome. For example, a blockage of the food pipe (esophagus), small bowel (du
