Two year old with Down Syndrome Gets Cold easily....?

Question

Two times in the past we have taken our two year old (who has DS) to the doctor because he seems to be very weak and almost like in a lazy state and does not have the energy to do much most of the time. We have had blood work done on both occasions and everything has come back fine. Another issue that has come up is since he has been able to vocalize his thoughts he has let us know that he gets very cold when he really shouldn't be. He starts shivering for things like drinking cold drinks, gets cold right away outside on cool days even if he is dressed warm and so on. I was wondering if these two things could be connected and what else we could have the doctor check for. His iron levels seem to be fine based on the previous tests. Thanks so much. Some people probably think we are paranoid but I would rather be safe.

Georgie · Accepted Answer

Children with Down syndrome can sometimes have low immunity, making them susceptible to colds & flus etc. 

The doctor should check his Zinc levels, as low levels can mean he is more susceptible to infections and his thyroid levels, low thyroid levels can cause people to feel the cold, weakness, fatigue etc, hypothyroidism is common in people with down syndrome. He should also be seeing a pediatrician regularly to make sure he is developing and having regular heart check up and bloods tests etc. 

Down syndrome is often associated with low muscle tone, which can make them floppy and slow to move around, so this could give him the appearance of being sluggish or slow to move too. 

Is he involved in early intervention program which can help in developing his communication and social skills etc, if he is not ask your doctor where to go, or check your local special needs school and ask if they have a early intervention program. The added benefit of this your are in contact with other parents who children with disabilities, so you wont feel isolated and you can talk to the teachers and parents about your concerns.

The other thing is join a Down syndrome support group, you will get plenty of support from parents who are going through the same things with their child, they can give you some tips & strategies to help manage your son, and your son get make friends with their children.

Space Age · Answer

I work with children with Downs (and other disabilities) for a living. One thing I've come to find out through my job and interacting with parents of older children with Downs is that they tend to have higher body temperatures. So, when they do get a cold and have a little fever, it's magnified. 
A child without Downs might run a 99 degree fever when they get a small cold while a child with downs could run 100 degrees or higher.
Hope your little guy gets to feeling better and you are doing a great job. It's not paranoia it's good parenting.

Anonymous · Answer

maybe this is more of a personality thing rather than a ds thing. He could just prefer to be more of an indoor person who likes being snug and warm. I am very much like this myself. Maybe, I wouldn't know much about down syndrome.

Anonymous · Answer

i think since you are concerned, you need to seek out another doctors opinions to confort yourself. if you dont do anything about it to get answers then this issue will only continue to bother you. find advice from  a second doctor. or even a third

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Two year old with Down Syndrome Gets Cold easily....?

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