When your child is born, it likely would not ever occur to you that they could have a genetic or congenital disorder that they are born with. However, for some children (and their parents), this does happen. Marfan syndrome is one such genetic condition that a child can be born with. If you have taken your little one to the children's clinic to see their pediatrician and it turns out that they do, in fact, suffer from Marfan syndrome, you may wonder what it all means and what you can do to provide your child with the care and treatment that they need to have a happy and healthy life with this genetic condition. Get to know some of the facts about Marfan syndrome so that you can do just that.

What Is Marfan Syndrome?

Marfan syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which a person is extremely tall as well as thin and lanky. They also often have long fingers and limbs in general.

However, it is not just a condition that affects height. Marfan syndrome is actually a disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. Connective tissues are the parts of your child's body that support any and everything from the smallest cells, to their organs and the like. As such, because Marfan syndrome is progressive, these connective tissues get weaker with age. 

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Marfan Syndrome?

As your child grows, even as a toddler and in early childhood, they may seem to do so at a much faster rate than other children within their age range. This height would be accompanied with being skinny in spite of how heartily they eat as well, in most circumstances, as toes and fingers that are quite long. 

Children with Marfan syndrome may also have joints that seem loose and your child may seem as if they do not have a great deal of control over their limbs. Your child may also have facial characteristics of Marfan syndrome, which include a face that is long and thin, as well as a small jaw and eyes that are deep set in their face. 

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Marfan Syndrome?

Because this condition affects the tissues that support every part and organ of the body, there can be numerous effects throughout a person's life. Many people with Marfan syndrome can have heart and other cardiovascular issues.

With proper medical care and regular and frequent monitoring, these conditions such as thin blood vessels, or a dilated aorta can be treated and cared for allowing your child with Marfan syndrome to live a long and happy life. Virtually all other areas of the body can also be affected by this syndrome, though the cardiovascular issues are the most well-known.

Are There Any Treatments For This Condition?

Marfan syndrome is not a curable disorder. Many of the treatments have to do with managing the symptoms and side effects of this condition. The issues with the aorta and the cardiovascular system as well as vision problems and any skeletal weaknesses can be dealt with as they arise.

Encouraging your child to regularly exercise and try to build strength in their body and muscles is also beneficial to your child with Marfan syndrome. It is important that your child is aware of their condition so that they know what to do if they have a problem and how to react. Medical alert bracelets can help as well so that your child gets the right treatment for them if they ever do go to the doctor or hospital unexpectedly.

Research continues on the exact genetics of Marfan syndrome so that more effective treatments of the disorder itself can be developed as well. Now that you better understand your child's Marfan Syndrome, you can be sure that you are providing them with the best care possible now and in the future. To find out more, speak with a business like Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP.