Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where humans are born with an extra chromosome. For normal humans, they have 23 pairs of chromosomes within each cell in their body, for total of 46. For someone who diagnosed this disease, they have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which means their cells consist of 47 total chromosomes, instead of 46.  This changes the way their brain and body develop. They are non-contagious as it is a genetic condition, and it doesn't happen due to consequences by parents' actions before or during pregnancy. They happen randomly. Down syndrome cannot be inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern during conception when the egg and sperm meet. Research is ongoing to learn more about the risk factors of Down syndrome. Studies suggest that the risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases as the mother ages. Females who are 35 or older are more likely to have a child diagnosed with Down syndrome or another type of genetic condition. Since females younger than 35 have higher fertility rates, most babies with Down syndrome are born to people under 35. Down syndrome causes physical, cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Not all people with Down syndrome have all of these symptoms. Symptoms and their severity are different from person to person. For examples, flat nose bridge, slanted eyes that point upwards, short neck, small ears, hands and feet, weak muscle tone at birth, small pinky finger that point inward towards the thumb, one crease in the palm of their hand(palmer crease) and shorter-than-average height. For a child who grows, he or she might have the symptoms of ear infections or hearing loss, vision problems or eye diseases, dental problems, being more prone to infections or illnesses, obstructive sleep apnea, and congenital heart disease. Management and treatment are available for Down Syndrome. Physical, occupational, speech therapy are needed. Special education programs in schools are available for them. Treating any underlying medical conditions. Wearing glasses for vision problems or assisted hearing devices for hearing loss. Furthermore, public awareness is needed to understand about Down Syndrome. We should give more support and help for Down Syndrome patients. Hope is here for them all! 💞💞