Babies and Heart Defects. A look at Tetralogy of Fallot. Part 2

courtesy chocolatehighh.tumblr.com

In the last post we defined Tetralogy of Fallot, and took a look at the 4 structural defects that play their role in its effect:

                                                            courtesy: cias.rit.edu

1. Pulmonary Stenosis

2. Ventricular Septal Defect

3. Overriding Aorta

4. Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

 For those of you who haven't seen the last post, and are interested to find out more about this condition check out, A look at Tetralogy of Fallot. Part I, and also stop by JJ's Congenital Heart Defect Awareness for Antigua and Barbuda on Facebook piloted by +Jessica Berman.  

Today you will be learning about the signs and symptoms of the condition, that can indicate your child or the child of someone you know could be potentially suffering from this congenital heart defect. 

Signs and Symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot

1. Bluish nails, and lips. This is known as cyanosis, it is caused by the low levels of oxygen in the child's blood.You may notice that this abnormal colour gets worse when the baby cries, or even when the baby is feeding.

 The infant may not feed for very long either, it will seem almost as if a lot of effort is involved in suckling.

In toddlers and older children, cyanosis will increase after playing,or engaging in some other physical activity.  You may notice that the child becomes easily short of breath. 

2. Squatting. Toddlers and older children may do this intermittently when having a cyanotic episode, or when short of breath. 

                  

 Instinctively the child assumes the squatting position as it increases blood flow to the lungs.

3. Digital Clubbing. In older children, as well as infants, the nails and tips of the fingers may seem to be larger than is normal.

                              

                                           courtesy: http://bestpractice.bmj.com/

4. Poor development and growth. When you take the baby to the clinic, the district nurses might note that the baby is not growing well for his or her age, and hasn't gained an appropriate weight either. You might hear them use a term known as failure to thrive. 

If you've noticed any of these symptoms and signs in your child, it is important to see a health care professional as soon as possible, since the child's condition deteriorates with time if the defects are not surgically corrected. 

Early detection is always helpful. 

Now you know what to look for, spread the word to your family and friends, and visit JJ's Congenital Heart Defect Awareness for Antigua and Barbuda on Facebook. 

Blessings to you and yours,

#wadadlian strong

                                                                   ©  April 2015