Medically reviewed by Dr. Riaz Ali Shah.
Unfortunately, Down Syndrome (DS) is one of the leading causes of disability and the most common genetic disorder in children around the world. Patients with Down syndrome suffer from developmental disabilities. They are also susceptible to different chronic disorders, physical disabilities and infections.
“According to the World Health Organization, out of every 700 babies born around the world, 1 will have Down syndrome.”
Apparently, there’s no name for Down syndrome in the URDU language which means in Pakistan most parents are unaware of the disease and hence are unable to seek further help also according to research, 0.2 babies delivered in Karachi were diagnosed with Down’s syndrome through the hCG, ME and MSAFP tests.
What is Down’s Syndrome?
Down’s syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome 21. Chromosomes contain genes that are passed down from parents to their children during reproduction. Each cell basically receives 23 chromosomes from either parent making it a complete set of 23 pairs of chromosomes in a child. In children with Down syndrome, one of the chromosomes fails to segregate properly. This causes the unborn baby to be born with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two and the child develops physical and developmental problems. A pregnant woman who’s carrying a child with down syndrome will not experience any signs and symptoms because it is a genetic condition and can only be seen in a kid with the condition.
Below listed are common physical features which are a characteristic of Down’s syndrome are:
- Almond shaped eyes
- Flat faces (especially the nose)
- Small head and short neck
- Bulging tongue
- Small ears
- Short height
- Developmental delays
- Small hands and feet
- Loose joints
Kids with down syndrome tend to grow at a slower pace than other kids. Down syndrome kids also experience difficulty in brain development which eventually affects their ability to understand, think and be social. People with Down’s syndrome can also have other disorders such as heart defects, thyroid problems, intestinal problems, hearing and vision problems, various blood conditions such as leukemia etc.
Previously Down syndrome couldn’t be cured or treated but thanks to recent advances in the treatment and research, there have been cases where the quality of a DS patient has been improved.
Help a child with Down’s Syndrome
Give them an opportunity to mix with other children.
Give easy instructions or say a few words
Encourage them to be as independent as possible from a young age like brushing their teeth or going to the toilet.
With lots of love, help and support, a lot of kids and adults with DS can lead an active and independent life.
REFERENCE LINKS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16431402/
https://www.kdsp.org.pk/downsyndrome/what-is-downsyndrome.php
