Down syndrome: What is Down syndrome? To save the child from this disease, parents must know this!

Down syndrome is a genetic disease. This disease is mainly seen in children. Genetic factors cause some physical defects in children. The use of advanced technology in the field of medicine has increased. With such technology, it is possible to investigate, diagnose and treat this disease. But for this parents need to be especially aware. We are going to tell you about what is Down syndrome, what are its types, what tests should be done to prevent this disease, and what precautions should be taken by the parents.

Every year March 21 is observed as World Down Syndrome Day by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the condition and encourage timely treatment. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder. This disease occurs when extra genetic material is produced from chromosomes due to abnormal cell division. Normally a person has 46 chromosomes in his body. But a person with Down syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome number 21 in their body. This extra chromosome causes a number of developmental and cognitive challenges in a patient with Down syndrome.

Also known as trisomy 21, this disorder is one of the most common genetic congenital diseases in children. It affects one in every 830 children. About 1.3 lakh babies are born with the condition every year in India. While on one hand, these statistics are worrying, on the other hand, due to lack of information and discussion many children are suffering from this condition.

What factors cause Down syndrome?

While it is known that an extra chromosome 21 can cause Down syndrome, the exact cause of this chromosomal abnormality is still unclear. The age of the woman at the time of birth is also an important factor in increasing the risk of Down syndrome. Women over the age of 35 are more likely to have a baby with Down syndrome than younger women.