Question
What Are the Symptoms of Down Syndrome?
Answer
Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a common chromosomal abnormality disease. Due to an extra chromosome in the 21st pair, individuals with this condition are referred to as having Trisomy 21. This disease leads to a series of symptoms and characteristics, including:
- Intellectual Disability: Most individuals with Down Syndrome experience varying degrees of intellectual development delays.
- Distinctive Facial Features: Patients often have a flat face, including a small nose, almond-shaped eyes, broad cheeks, and an exposed tongue.
- Growth Delay: Patients typically have slower growth in height and weight compared to their peers.
- Other Health Issues: Such as heart defects, digestive system problems, and weakened immune function. The symptoms of Down Syndrome can vary from person to person and the severity can differ. Prenatal tests such as amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can detect this condition during pregnancy. Once diagnosed, parents can collaborate with the medical team to provide appropriate treatment and support for their child. There is no complete cure for Down Syndrome, but through early intervention and lifelong care, it is possible to help patients reach their best potential.