Definition:
Fallot tetralogy is a rare condition that involves defects inside the structures of the heart of young children and infants. Jointly, these defects lead to poor oxygen in blood flowing from the heart into the body. As a result, children and infants with this condition typically show blue-tinged skin.
Diagnosis:
If the doctor suspects Fallot tetralogy after birth, he may use several tests to confirm diagnosis, including thorough blood count, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and others.
Treatment:
Treatment of the condition for the majority of infants involves a surgery known as intracardiac repair. The surgery is usually done during an infant's first year. Ongoing care is required after surgery. The doctor can also recommend a limit in the child's activities, as well as antibiotics when having dental procedures to stop infections that can cause swelling of the heart's lining.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of this condition differ, depending on severity of blood flow obstruction on the heart's right ventricle. Common symptoms include rapid breathing and breath shortness, bluish skin color, fainting, clubbing toes and fingers, poor gain of weight, easily gets tired during play, and irritability.
Causes:
Fallot tetralogy is caused by four defects inside heart formations of young children and infants. This can be the result of problems during the fetal growth stage, which leads to a group of abnormalities: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.
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