Down Syndrome And Alternative Medicine

Down syndrome is a genetic defect where a baby is born with an extra chromosome. Normal number of chromosomes in a person is 46 but a Down syndrome baby is born with 47 chromosomes. This additional chromosome affects the normal development of the baby.

According to experts, around half the number of babies born with Down syndrome have a heart condition. However, this can be corrected via surgery. In addition, Down syndrome babies can be born with intestinal disorders. They are also susceptible to different types of infections and cancers. One common denominating factor is that all Down syndrome sufferers have characteristic facial features, impaired physical growth, and reduced cognitive and intellectual abilities.

Down syndrome is found in 1 in 800 live births and many factors can contribute to it.

So, how are Down syndrome and alternative medicine connected? Practitioners of some alternative therapies claim that they have the ability to correct the facial features of Down syndrome sufferers. They claim that through these therapies, facial features can be brought closer to normal and at the same time the problems with cognitive and intellectual abilities can be reversed.

However, these claims have not been scientifically proven. At the best alternative medicine can alleviate many of the symptoms due to medical conditions but it is doubtful that alternative medicine can cure Down syndrome. The reason is very simple -- the syndrome is genetic in nature, and therefore, it cannot be reversed.

Before subjecting your child to alternative medicine, it is best to first discuss this with the child's doctor, who will be able to guide and advise you on the pros and cons of using alternative medicine therapies for a Down syndrome sufferer.

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