Can people with Down syndrome get surgery?

Children with Down syndrome may undergo one of the many procedures designed to reconstruct the face or reduce the appearance of a protruding tongue. Undergoing surgery does not reduce the effects of Down syndrome, but it does enhance the appearance, which in turn can affect the way a child is perceived.

Is surgery necessary for Down syndrome?

Treatment. There is no specific treatment for Down syndrome. If treatment is needed, it is usually for associated health problems. For example, a child born with a gastrointestinal blockage may need major surgery right after birth.

Why is tonsillectomy not recommended?

Why Removing Your Child’s Tonsils May Do More Harm Than Good. Researchers say children who undergo tonsillectomies have a higher risk of asthma and respiratory infections as adults.

What are the disadvantages of tonsillectomy?

Temporary nausea, vomiting, swallowing problems and loss of taste might occur. There may also be complications such as bleeding. Some people are afraid that removing their tonsils will weaken their immune system and increase the likelihood of getting things like coughs and colds.

Is Down syndrome life ending?

Life expectancy Life spans have increased dramatically for people with Down syndrome. Today, someone with Down syndrome can expect to live more than 60 years, depending on the severity of health problems.

What is the best age for tonsillectomy?

A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.

Do they still remove tonsils 2020?

DeMarino notes that, “Tonsillectomies were very common in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, with more than 1 million being performed each year, primarily on children ages 1-15.” Today, however, this once common procedure is no longer a standard operating procedure.

How old is the oldest person with Down syndrome?

RUPERT, Idaho — According to the CDC’s most recent statistics, the average lifespan for a Down syndrome patient is 47 years. Rupert resident, Bryce Walker, is 76-years-old and lives with Down syndrome, making him one of the world’s oldest surviving Down syndrome patients.