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Down Syndrome - When To Call a Doctor

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.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 04, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.