What should be done for a child with atrial septal defect?
Disease description:
Among many congenital diseases, atrial septal defect is a condition that significantly affects children's health. After this disease occurs, it casts a heavy shadow over my family, as I constantly worry about my child suffering from a heart attack or life-threatening complications. So, what should be done about atrial septal defect in children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ding Hongfang
Atrial septal defect in children can be treated with medications and surgery. If there is a left-to-right shunt or complications such as pneumonia or heart failure, medical management is required during treatment. Prior to surgery, medications should be administered to control pneumonia and prevent respiratory infections. In cases of heart failure, timely diagnosis and anti-heart failure treatment are essential; diuretics or antibiotics may be used under a physician's guidance. If there are no medical complications, definitive surgical repair of the atrial septal defect can be performed using cardiopulmonary bypass.
