What are the symptoms of congenital heart disease in children?

Symptoms of congenital heart disease in children include shortness of breath, difficulty feeding, poor physical strength, purple lips and nails, etc. Once parents find that their children have the above symptoms, they should take their children to the doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the prognosis.

1. Blue or cyanosis

Cyanosis is one of the typical manifestations of congenital heart disease in children. Due to abnormal heart structure, the oxygen content in the blood decreases, causing lips, nails, and skin to turn purple, especially after crying or activity. If you find that your child frequently has cyanosis symptoms, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible, and make a clear diagnosis through examinations such as cardiac ultrasound or electrocardiogram, and develop a treatment plan based on the condition.

2. Difficulty feeding and lack of weight gain

Children with congenital heart disease often have difficulty feeding, shortness of breath and sweating after a little feeding, which affects their normal intake and leads to slow weight gain. This is mainly due to increased burden on cardiopulmonary function and insufficient oxygen supply. For infants with feeding difficulties, it is recommended to adopt a feeding method of small and frequent meals, and to supplement necessary nutritional support under the guidance of a doctor. If the symptoms are severe, surgery is required to correct the heart abnormality.

3. Shortness of breath and wheezing

Congenital heart disease can lead to abnormal pulmonary circulation, resulting in shortness of breath and wheezing, which are more obvious after exercise or crying. This symptom is easily confused with respiratory infection, but if it occurs repeatedly and is accompanied by other abnormalities, it should be checked in time. For example, for patients with atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect, surgical closure of the abnormal pathway can significantly improve breathing problems.

4. Easy fatigue and poor exercise endurance

Some children have a significantly lower mobility than their peers due to insufficient blood supply to the heart, and show obvious fatigue after a little activity. In this case, it is necessary to use cardiac ultrasound, dynamic electrocardiogram and other examinations to determine the cause, and to carry out corresponding treatment according to different types such as patent ductus arteriosus and tetralogy of Fallot. Common treatments include drugs such as digoxin and diuretics to relieve symptoms, and surgical correction of abnormal structures when necessary.

5. Increased risk of infection

Due to abnormal heart function, children with congenital heart disease may have a weaker immune system and a higher risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia. Such children need to be vaccinated regularly and have enhanced family hygiene to avoid infection. If the infection increases the burden on the heart, medical treatment should be sought early to prevent the condition from worsening.

Children with congenital heart disease may present with a variety of symptoms. Parents should closely observe and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as cyanosis, feeding difficulties, and shortness of breath occur. Scientific examinations can clarify the condition and intervene early to improve the child's quality of life. Maintaining the health of children requires the joint efforts of parents and doctors.