Down Syndrome Common Health Problems

^{Reviewed by: My Child Without Limits Advisory Committee September 2009}

A variety of health conditions are often seen in people who have Down syndrome, including:

• Congenital heart disease - (heart disease that is present at birth)
• Hearing problems
• Intestinal problems, such as blocked small bowel or esophagus
• Celiac disease (a digestive disease that damages the small intestine)
• Eye problems, such as cataracts (a cloudiness in the lens of the eye)
• Thyroid dysfunctions (problems with the gland that affects metabolism)
• Skeletal problems
• Dementia—similar to Alzheimer’s

Common Health Problems by Age Group:

Common Health Problems in Newborns with Down Syndrome

Common Health Problems in Young Children with Down Syndrome

Next:

Down Syndrome Diagnosis

Download the Introduction to Down Syndrome.