Question
What are the manifestations of Down syndrome? How can one determine if a child has the disease? Is this condition congenital? Can it be cured? Will the patient suffer throughout their life?
Answer
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by chromosomal abnormalities. The main symptoms include distinctive physical features such as widely spaced eyes, slanted eye fissures, low-set ears, a large tongue, and a semi-open mouth, as well as intellectual and developmental delays. Patients may also have other congenital conditions such as heart disease. There is currently no cure, and patients may rely on others for care and may experience lifelong intellectual disability, making independent living difficult.