Down Syndrome can be identified even before birth, and its symptoms can be seen at a very early age. A doctor can often make an initial diagnosis of Down Syndrome at birth based on how the baby looks. A doctor may also hear a heart murmur while listening to the baby's chest with a stethoscope. A blood test can also be done to check for the extra chromosome and confirm the diagnosis. (4)
Down Syndrome symptoms vary from person to person, and can range from mild to severe. There are many common physical characteristics that are caused by Down Syndrome.
Decreased muscle tone at birth
Excess skin at the nape of the neck
Flattened nose
Separated joints between the bones of the skull
Single crease in the palm of the hand
Smaller ears
Smaller mouth
Upward slanting eyes
Wide, short hands with short fingers
White spots on the colored part of the eye (3)
Symptoms of Down Syndrome (Continued)
Down Syndrome also causes growth issues, and most children with Down Syndrome may not reach their average adult height. Also, children with Down Syndrome may develop mentally and socially than a child without Down Syndrome. (3) Common issues may be:
Impulsive behavior
Poor judgment
Short attention span
Slow learning (3)
Down Syndrome may also create medical complications as life goes on. These medical complications can include:
Birth defects involving the heart
Dementia
Eye problems
Early and massive vomiting, which may be a sign of a gastrointestinal blockage
Hearing problems
Hip problems and risk of dislocation
Long-term constipation problems
Sleep apnea
Teeth that appear later than normal and in a location that may cause problems with chewing