Infections

Individuals with Down’s Syndrome more to prone to infections opposed to people without Down’s Syndrome (2). This indicates that immunodeficiency might be genetically related to Down’s Syndrome. Immunodeficiency is when your immune system which usually helps protect your body from infection does not work to a normal standard. This immunodeficiency can also be related to thyroid problems and coeliac disease (1). This can have serious implications for individuals with Down’s Syndrome.

Young people Down’s Syndrome are especially prone to respiratory tract infections (1). A common respiratory tract infection is pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection which is caused by inflammation of the lung tissue which is usually caused by bacteria (3).

Common Symptoms of pneumonia are:

  • coughing
  • breathlessness
  • rapid heartbeat
  • fever
  • chest pain (3)

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the Lung – Senior Directory (2017) (4)

Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, rest and fluids. Pneumonia can lead to serious complications therefore if you suspect your child has pneumonia we recommend you seek treatment (3).

Usually people with Down’s Syndrome that have good diets, live in good housing and are generally healthy will not suffer badly from immunodeficiency (1). In aid of this it is essential that your child has all their childhood vaccinations along with this the annual flu jab is often offered to people with Down’s Syndrome (2)

References:

  1. Intellectualdisability.info. (2017). The Immune System in Down’s Syndrome. [online] Available at: http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/articles/the-immune-system-in-downs-syndrome [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017]
  2. nhs.uk. (2017). Complications. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/downs-syndrome/complications/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
  3. nhs.uk. (2017). Pneumonia. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017]
  4. Senior Directory (2017). Pneumonia. [image] Available at: https://seniordirectory.com/uploads/articles/Pneumonia.png [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017]