Question
A friend’s child is experiencing developmental delays and has abnormal facial features. The child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome by a doctor. What exactly is Down syndrome?
Answer
Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21 or congenital idiocy, is a congenital disease caused by a chromosomal abnormality, one of the severe birth defects. Patients exhibit distinctive facial features at birth and often suffer from anorexia and feeding difficulties. As they grow older, their intellectual disabilities become increasingly apparent, along with delayed motor and sexual development. Most patients have severe intellectual disabilities and may also have multiple organ abnormalities, such as congenital heart disease, leukemia, and digestive tract malformations. If a child is diagnosed with Down syndrome, parents should seek professional medical assistance immediately to avoid misconceptions and receive appropriate treatment for the symptoms.