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Down Syndrome - When To Call a Doctor
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Call a doctor immediately if:
- Your baby or very young child with
Down syndrome shows signs of:
- Intestinal blockage, such as severe belly pain, vomiting, and possibly swelling of the stomach.
- Heart problems, such as bluish discoloration of the lips and fingers, difficulty breathing, or a sudden change in eating or activity level.
- A person of any age with Down syndrome shows
symptoms of dislocated neck bones (atlantoaxial dislocation). This condition often occurs after an injury. Symptoms may
include:
- Neck pain.
- Limited neck movement.
- Weakness in the arms and legs.
- Difficulty walking.
- A change in bowel or bladder control.
Children and adults with Down syndrome may not be able to tell you or the doctor if they don't feel well or are in pain. Instead, their behavior may change. Or they may stop doing things that they used to do. These may be signs of a medical problem. Talk to the doctor if you notice that the person with Down syndrome behaves in a new way. Also be alert for signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental or behavioral health problems.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. During routine screening exams, your doctor watches your child for common health problems or diseases that sometimes develop with Down syndrome. These office visits also are a time to decide if your child's treatment plan needs adjusting.
Who To See
The following health professionals can diagnose and/or treat a person with Down syndrome:
- Geneticist
- Genetic counselor
- Pediatrician, including those who specialize in development and behavior
- Family medicine physician
- Internist
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
Other specialists will be needed, such as a:
And other specialists may be needed if complications arise.
Speak with a genetic counselor if you have a child with Down syndrome and you are thinking about having another child.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics David Smith, MD - Family Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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