ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT (ASD) AND VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT (VSD) Assignment

ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT (ASD) AND VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT (VSD) - Assignment Example Although most of the children with smaller ASDs appear healthy and grow normally, those with larger ASDs habitually exhibit reduced appetite and growth, frequent fatigue, shortness of breath and persistent lung infections. Additionally, such children are highly susceptible to conditions such as pneumonia. Treatment: Treatment of ASD in children similarly depends on the age of the child, size of the ASD and its location (Adler et al., 2014). Small ASD defects routinely close on their own as the child grows while there is always the need to perform open-heart surgeries and cardiac catheterization in order to rectify the condition in case the defect is large. Symptoms: Cardiovascular specialists are often able to detect VSD over the first few trips the infant makes to the hospital because of an irregular murmur within the heart (Penny et al., 2011). Apart from that, children who suffer from the condition often fail to thrive because they do not eat due to lack of appetite. Similarly, such children regularly tire quickly and suffer several instances of breathlessness due to faster breathing rates. Treatment: Treatment of VSD heavily relies on the size of the hole and, the age of the child and its location. Health experts routinely carry out open-heart surgeries to remedy the condition. The same applies to cardiac catheterization. Symptoms: In adults, the indicators of the condition are shortness of breath, notably when exercising and recurrent fatigue. The victims will similarly exhibit swelling of various body parts including the abdomen and legs, skipped heartbeats, frequent lung infections, and stroke. Treatment: Health providers recommend the use of anticoagulant drugs and medications that keep the heartbeat regular. For medium and large sized defects, doctors routinely recommend open-heart surgeries, for that ensures no future complications. Symptoms: Adults who suffer from VSDs experience