Down Syndrome. Causes, symptoms and treatment.

"Your baby is Down!" Hearing these words, the newly-minted parents are subjected to severe shock. Nine months of hope and, in the end, a mentally retarded and not healthy baby. It is really very hard and it is not immediately possible to believe in this completely close. But after having lived with this thought for a while, everyone understands that this is not the end of the world, and Down is also a child who grows, develops and achieves certain successes. Simply, he is not like everyone else. This needs to be understood and accepted, then it will become much easier to live.

What is Down syndrome, the reasons for the birth of a sick child and how to live with this problem?

Down's syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome in the cells of the body. In a healthy organism, there are 46 chromosomes, that is, 23 pairs. Each of them is responsible for certain functions and performs the assigned role. Sometimes it happens that a third chromosome is added to the 21 pair, then a newborn with a deviation called Down's syndrome appears. The reasons for this condition may be different, but even doctors can not change the situation and prevent the birth of a down. Exceptions are cases where it is possible to identify the syndrome during pregnancy. Then the choice is for the woman, to give birth to a child with deviations, worthy to live no less healthy, or to kill an unborn baby.

Causes.

This can happen in any family, regardless of the state of health and social well-being, physical and mental development or age. Although there is evidence that the occurrence of this condition is more often in families where the mother is over 35 years old, or vice versa, is too young (up to 18 years). Near-marriages are also at risk of giving birth to children with a Down syndrome. The reasons can not always be determined, although this is not so important in consequence. Now it is important to try to cultivate a full and self-sufficient personality from the down.

Symptoms.

So, the newborn is diagnosed with Down's disease. Down syndrome is characterized by certain signs.

Consider how to determine Down's syndrome according to the signs:

Flat face, narrow eyes, tongue with longitudinal groove, often not fit in the mouth (afterwards it passes), wide lips, narrow forehead, round small head, small ears. Often accompanied by problems with the bone system: short and wide hands and feet. A small curved little finger, there is a furrow on the palms. Anomalies of the internal organs are noted, more often the heart and digestive system. Incorrect growth of teeth and jaw structure.

But the final diagnosis can be established by the results of the analysis for karyotyping, that is, the establishment of the number of chromosomes.

Treatment.

Depending on the presence of concomitant diseases, and the success of their cure, the patient can live up to 40-50 years.

The most important part of the treatment is psychological help to the family. Parents and close relatives should try to perceive the child as a full-fledged child and give him the opportunity to develop and improve. He must see that he is loved, valued and treated as equal with other family members of the individual.

For such children it is desirable to study in specialized rehabilitation centers and help the psychologist. For development and adaptation is better, if you go down to a general kindergarten and school, provided that it is possible to study under a special program. This will help him to find a common language with peers and live a full life.

It is necessary to find a way for the child to express himself. Perhaps it will be sport, dance or handicraft. Very many downs achieve good results because of their inherent traits of character - persistence and diligence.

It is very important to understand the relatives of a person with Down's syndrome, the reasons for which have not been fully established, that he is not a madman with developmental disabilities, but his own clever, interesting and worthy respect and love personality, just a little different.