Introduction
Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder due to the presence of all or part of the third copy of chromosome 21. It affects the physical growth, facial features, and intellectual disability. The IQ level of a person affected with down syndrome is 50, but this varies widely. People with down syndrome are characterized by small stature, low muscle tone, an upward slant of the eyes, flat face, and short neck. It is a lifelong condition that causes heart, intestine, ear, and respiratory problems. As all these problems can be treated, children with down syndrome, when given proper care and support, can grow up with a healthy and happy life.
What Are the Symptoms of Down Syndrome?
An infant born with down syndrome may be a standard size but will show prolonged growth and development compared to normal infants without this condition. The person will be affected by a mental disability that varies from mild to moderate and may also show characteristics such as impulsive behavior, poor judgment, and slow learning capabilities. They are more exposed to infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, and skin. They may also be affected by Alzheimer’s disease in the later stage.
What Are the Causes of Down Syndrome?
The human body usually contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, each from the mother and father. When the abnormal division of chromosome 21 occurs, either partial or a complete set of the new chromosomes are formed, which is the condition called down syndrome. This extra chromosome is only responsible for the characteristics of down syndrome. Three genetic variations can be responsible for down syndrome:
Trisomy 21-
Instead of two copies; the person will have three copies of chromosome 21. 95% of down syndrome people are affected by this genetic variation. Caused by abnormal cell division during sperm and egg cell development.
Mosaic Down Syndrome-
This is a rare condition where a person has only some cells and an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is caused by abnormal division after fertilization.
Translocation Down Syndrome-
Down syndrome can also occur when a section of chromosome 21 gets connected to another chromosome before or at fertilization. These people will have the genetic material of chromosome 21 attached to another chromosome in addition to the two copies of chromosome 21.
What Are the Risk Factors of Down Syndrome?
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Adverse Maternal Age:
Increase in women’s age increases a higher chance of giving birth to a child with down syndrome; as in the older age, the eggs get older, which increases the chance of abnormal division.
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There are chances that the mother or father to transfer the translocation syndrome to their child.
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Parents of a child with down syndrome and translocation syndrome will have an increased chance of having a second child with down syndrome.
Medical Conditions Usually Accompany Down Syndrome; Some Are-
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Heart defects.
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Hearing loss.
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Poor vision.
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Hip dislocation.
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Constipation.
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Memory problems.
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Late tooth eruption.
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Obesity.
How Is This Condition Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Down syndrome is made on two basis-
Screening Test:
The screening test does not give the exact result of whether a child has down syndrome or not. It is cost-effective and easy to perform, and it helps people to decide to have more diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic Test:
It diagnoses down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. It is performed by getting some cells from the fetus in the womb. But there are risk factors like miscarriage and other complications.
What Is an Acupuncture Treatment?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method to treat health conditions and symptoms like pain. An acupuncturist inserts a thin steel needle at various acupressure points in the body, which rebalances the energy and releases natural chemicals that fight the condition. Usually, acupuncture is used to treat chronic pain such as arthritis, back and neck pain, headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, and sports injuries.
How Does Acupuncture Help Down Syndrome?
Acupuncture helps to deal with the symptoms of down syndrome through acupressure points: located along the energetic pathways and meridians, which are associated with each organ. Many acupressure points are present, which can be triggered even without acupuncture needles. Specific herbal formulations are beneficial in treating the symptoms and the root cause of the down syndrome. Acupuncturists suggest using herbs such as angelica root and cinnamon.
What Are the Risk Factors of Acupuncture?
Before taking acupuncture treatment, it is advisable to get a consultation with a doctor. Risk factors that occur in acupuncture are:
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Bleeding, bruises, and soreness due to needles' insertion.
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Infection caused by unsterilized needles.
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Internal organ damage may be caused due to needle breakage.
The manufacture and labeling of the needle should be of specific standards, like they should be sterile, non-toxic, and should be labeled “for one use only.”
What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment?
It includes
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Low side effects and risk factors.
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It is cost-effective and can be combined with other treatments.
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It helps to manage the symptoms of down syndrome.
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It is a flexible form of treatment.
What to Expect From Acupuncture?
The acupuncturist initially assesses the person and their condition. The client lies or sits throughout the procedure. The acupuncturist should use a single, sterile, non-toxic, and disposable needle. People may feel a sting or tingling effect on the insertion of the needle, along with mild pain at the base of the needle. The needle stays for about 20-60 minutes, depending on the procedure. People with a chronic condition may require one or more sessions per week, whereas, with acute conditions, people show improvement in the condition after 8-12 sessions.
Is Down Syndrome Inherited?
Usually, down syndrome is not inherited; it is caused due to abnormal division of cells during the development of the fetus. Translocation Down syndrome can be inherited from family members, but it occurs only in a small population.
What Is Life Expectancy?
There is no complete cure for down syndrome. A major defect of down syndrome is short life span of the person, but due to advanced medications and treatment, the life span can be increased up to 60 years. Based on the severity of the condition, the life span of the person may vary.
Conclusion
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused due to extra copy on chromosome 21, which is not curable. People with down syndrome are characterized by short stature, short neck, flat nose, protruding tongue, and weak muscle tone. There is no permanent cure, but acupuncture helps to reduce the symptoms of down syndrome. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves the insertion of needles at different pressure points. As it is cost-effective, other modes of therapy can also be performed.
