Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects how a person’s body and brain develop. In this article, you will learn what causes it, what signs to look for, and how people with Down syndrome receive care and support.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, happens when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Most people have 46 chromosomes, but a person with Down syndrome has 47. It is one of the most common chromosome conditions. About 1 baby in every 700 is born with it.
What Is Trisomy 21?
Trisomy 21 means a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
Causes of Down Syndrome
Down syndrome happens when chromosome 21 fails to separate properly while an egg or sperm cell forms. This is called non-disjunction. The egg or sperm then carries an extra chromosome. When it joins a normal cell, the baby has 47 chromosomes. Mothers and fathers can both pass on a genetic translocation that leads to Down syndrome. The risk also rises as the mother gets older.
Symptoms of Down Syndrome
Common physical signs include:
- A small mouth and a large tongue that sticks out
- A short neck
- A flat face and nose
- Small ears
- Upward-slanting eyes with a small skin fold at the inner corner
- White spots on the iris of the eye
- Short hands
- Poor muscle tone and extra flexibility
Many people with Down syndrome also have mild to moderate intellectual disability and may learn more slowly. Vision problems are common too.
Treatment and Care
Down syndrome has no cure, but early care helps people live full lives. Care may include:
- Surgery to fix heart defects or problems in the stomach and bowel
- Regular check-ups for ear infections, hearing loss, vision problems, obesity, and thyroid problems
- Early intervention programs that build movement, speech, and thinking skills
- Strong support from family, teachers, and doctors
Health Problems Linked to Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome have a higher chance of:
- Heart problems
- Alzheimer’s disease later in life
- Autism, which affects social skills and communication
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Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your own health.