Health checks
Children and Young People
Babies and young children with Down's syndrome Define Down's syndrome should have the same routine health checks and immunisations Define Immunisation as any other child. They should also have:
- Health Checks
- From age 6 weeks to 3.5 years: Thyroid Define Thyroid blood tests; growth monitoring; eye checks; hearing checks
- From age 5 to 19: Annual paediatric review; two-yearly hearing review; vision check; thyroid blood tests
- Dental Checks
- Examination at two then every six months. The teeth of children with Down's syndrome come through later, so milk teeth Define Milk teeth often stay longer and suffer more wear. Gum disease Define Gum disease is more common than in the rest of the population.
- Immunisation
- Some children with Down's syndrome may need more immunisation . Whooping cough Define Whooping cough could be very serious for a child with Down's syndrome so vaccination is recommended.
Adults
Adults with Down's syndrome should have regular health checks to maintain good health. These include:
- Eyesight
- People with Down's syndrome often have problems with vision and should see the optician at least every two years.
- Hearing
- Adults should have their ears checked regularly by the GP. Carers should be aware of problems with hearing, and report any hearing loss to the GP.
- Teeth and Dental Care
- Ensure six-monthly dental check ups for people with teeth, and at least yearly for those with dentures or no teeth.
- Blood Pressure
- Blood pressure should be checked every three years.
- Thyroid
- The GP should test blood for thyroid levels at least every two years.
- Mammogram
- Between the ages of 50 and 65 women should be given mammograms every three years.
- Cervical screening
- Women should be given cervical smears every three years.
Further Reading
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