Asthma
Question
My child has several colds or viruses since she has been home from the hospital. It seems when she does get a cold, it turns into a breathing problem for her. I am also concerned about pneumonia. One x-ray indicated she has a little reactive airway. She also has a cleft palate so I wonder if drainage will be an issue until it is repaired. Are these issues common in CdLS?
Answer of our experts
There is no increased incidence of asthma in CdLS, nor are there known immune system problems. On the other hand, there can be recurrent respiratory problems secondary to several things with CdLS. If she has gastroesophageal reflux (in which the food travels back from the stomach in to the esophagus) there is a chance food material could be high enough to be aspirated (breathed into) the lungs. This could potentially lead to pneumonia. Also the cleft palate carries a risk of aspiration as well. She should be followed by a Cleft Lip and Palate or Craniofacial Team. If she has reactive airways disease, or asthma, it is more likely due to family factors (asthma, allergies and eczema tend to run in families), and this should be managed by your pediatrician as if she does not have CdLS.
TK 7-13-10
Recommendation(s)
Reflux
Recommendation(s)
Mouth, nose and throat
