Atemwegs- und Lungenerkrankungen beim Down-Syndrom

Widmung

Wir danken Markus Schönhofer und allen anderen Menschen mit Down-Syndrom, denen wir begegnet sind und die auch unser Leben reicher gemacht haben. Auch sprechen wir Frau Andrea Schäfer unseren herzlich Dank dafür aus, dass sie den Artikel mit dem ansprechenden Cartoon zu den häufigsten Atemwegs- und Lungenerkrankungen beim Down-Syndrom illustriert hat.

Zusammenfassung

Zu den Lungenproblemen, die bei Kindern mit Down-Syndrom und in deren weiteren Leben häufig auftreten, gehören wiederkehrende und schwerer Atemwegsinfektionen, Atemwegsanomalien, Lungengefäßerkrankungen, zystische Lungenerkrankungen und obstruktive Schlafapnoe. Mit dem Down-Syndrom verbundene Erkrankungen wie Hypotonie, Dysphagie und Immunstörungen können die wiederkehrenden Atemwegsproblemen aggravieren. Daher sollten bei Kindern und Erwachsenen mit Down-Syndrom und rezidivierenden bronchopulmonalen Symptomen diese Krankheitsbilder berücksichtigt und adäquat behandelt werden. Das mit diesen bronchopulmonalen Erkrankungen einhergehende, erhöhte Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsrisiko wird durch weitere Komorbiditäten, wie z.B. Adipositas, koronare Herzkrankheit, Magen-Darm-Erkrankungen oder perioperative Komplikationen, zusätzlich erhöht. Die hohe Rate an Aspirationspneumonien macht es dringend erforderlich, bei allen Menschen mit Down-Syndrom konsequent eine ggfs. vorliegende Dysphagie abzuklären und ggf. präventive Maßnahmen (wie z.B. Mundpflege und Schlucktraining) anzuwenden.
Angesichts der Komplexität mancher pulmonalen Krankheiten beim Down-Syndrom, wie z.B. der pulmonalen Hypertonie, empfiehlt sich die Therapie in spezialisierten Zentren.
Die Entwicklung spezifischer medizinischer Versorgungsprogramme für die Diagnostik und Therapie der Lungen- und Atemwegserkrankungen bei Personen mit Down-Syndrom ist von zentraler Bedeutung.

Abstract

Among the pulmonary issues frequently observed in children with Down syndrome and in the further course of their lives are recurrent and severe respiratory infections, airway anomalies, pulmonary vascular diseases, cystic lung diseases, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Common conditions associated with Down syndrome, such as hypotonia, dysphagia, and immune system disorders, can contribute to recurrent respiratory problems. Therefore, children and adults with Down syndrome and persistent or unexplained respiratory symptoms should have these underlying health conditions considered and be treated appropriately. In addition to these respiratory complications, increased morbidity and mortality are often due to further comorbidities, such as obesity, congenital heart defects, gastroesophageal reflux, other gastrointestinal disorders and perioperative complications.
It is crucial to recognize that aspiration pneumonia is a significant risk factor; thus, all individuals with Down syndrome should be systematically evaluated for dysphagia, and preventive measures (such as oral hygiene and swallowing training) should be implemented as needed.
Given the complexity of certain pulmonary conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, treatment in specialized centers is recommended.
The development of specialized medical care programs for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases in individuals with Down syndrome is of central importance.

Schlüsselwörter

Down-Syndrom - Atemwegs- und Lungenerkrankungen - obstruktive Schlafapnoe - Aspiration - Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsrisiko

Keywords

Down Syndrome - airways and lung diseases - obstructive sleep apnea - aspiration - risk of morbidity and mortality

Publication History

Received: 30 July 2025

Accepted after revision: 26 October 2025

Article published online:
11 November 2025

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