Day 28 - Eyes and Ears, Mouth and Nose

Eye problems are very common for people with Down syndrome, some at birth, others develop later in life.  Eisley's already had her first check up with the ophthalmologist and likely will see him at least on a yearly basis.  He did find her to be farsighted, but that's common with her age and didn't feel she needed glasses.  A few of the common issues are:

• Cataracts
• Blocked tear ducts - we've had a few, but nothing a gentle massage and hot pack don't fix
• Strabismus, aka crossed eyes
• Nystagmus - involuntary eye movement
• Blepharitis - chronic infection of the edge of the eye lid
• Visual acuity errors - nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatisms

Hearing loss of some degree occurs in about 50-60% of those with Down syndrome.  Some is related to fluid in the ears, which often leads to ear infections.  Amazingly, Eisley passed her newborn hearing tests with flying colors and hasn't had an ear infection either.  As we play with her it's pretty apparent her little ears work just fine.

As for those teeth, they are quite variable in babes with Down syndrome.  Often times not making an appearance until after the first or even second birthday.  Which is really ok - Eisley bites hard enough with just her gums!

Those cute little button noses can pose a problem on the inside.  Smaller nasal passages, sinuses and airways can all lead to more upper respiratory and sinus infections.  Some kiddos also struggle with large tonsils or adenoids and then sleep apnea - which means the airway gets blocked and not enough oxygen gets through - a tonsillectomy can usually fix that. Eisley has battled a couple rounds of croup and now a sinus infection.  The hypotonia extends even to the muscles supporting her wind pipe, not allowing her the strength to cough effectively.   So far a few days of steroids for croup and antibiotics for the sinus infection have worked.  It's just something we'll have to keep a close eye on.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.