Atrial Septal Defect In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An atrial (AY-tree-al) septal defect or ASD, is a hole in the atrial septum (wall) of your child's heart. The atrial septum separates the two upper chambers of the heart called the atria. Normally, blood in the right side of the heart stays in the right atrium and is pumped into the right ventricle (lower chamber of the heart). Blood in the left side of the heart stays in the left atrium and is pumped into the left ventricle. With ASD, blood in the left atrium may flow back to the right atrium. Over time, increase in the backflow of blood may cause the right atrium to enlarge. This may lead to other problems such as irregular heartbeats and increased blood pressure to the lungs. These problems may make it difficult for the heart and lungs to provide oxygen to the body.
  
  
• Problems during the development of the heart are thought to cause ASD. A child with ASD may not have any signs and symptoms except for a heart murmur. A heart murmur is an abnormal change in heart sounds. Cardiac catheterization is used to diagnose ASD. Other tests may include chest x-rays, echocardiogram, doppler, and an electrocardiogram.
  
  
• If the ASD is mild, watchful waiting may be all that is needed. Surgery or transcatheter device closure may be needed if the ASD did not close on its own. These treatments are often needed so that your child may go on with his activities and live a normal life. Ask your caregivers for more information about tests and treatments for ASD.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight an infection caused by bacteria. Give your child this medicine exactly as ordered by his primary healthcare provider. Do not stop giving your child the antibiotics unless directed by his primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or give your child leftover antibiotics that were given to him for another illness.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Your child may need more rest than he realizes as he heals.

Quiet play will keep your child safely busy so he does not become restless and risk hurting himself. Have your child read or draw quietly when he is awake. Follow instructions for how much rest your child should get while he heals.

Wellness Hints:

• Diet: Give your child healthy food from all of the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meats and fish. Eating healthy foods may help your child feel better and have more energy. It may also help your child get better faster. Ask your child's caregiver if your child should be on a special diet.
  
  
• Liquids: Give your child 8 to 10 (8 ounce size) glasses of liquid to drink each day. Follow the advice of your child's caregiver if you must limit the amount of liquid your child drinks. Good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine your child drinks, such as coffee, tea, soda, and sports drinks.
  
  
• Second-hand smoke: Do not let anyone smoke around your child. Smoke can make your child cough or make it hard for him to breathe. Smoke can harm your child's heart, lungs, and blood. Your child is more likely to get lung disease and cancer if people smoke around your child.

For support and more information:

Accepting that your child has ASD may be hard. You, your child, and those close to you may feel scared, depressed, or angry. These are normal feelings. Talk to your child's caregivers, family, or friends about your and your child's feelings. You may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people who also have ASD. Contact the following for more information:

• American Heart Association National Center
  7272 Greenville Avenue
  Dallas , TX 75231-4596
  Phone: 1- 800 - 242-8721
  Web Address: http://www.americanheart.org
  

• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
  Health Information Center
  P.O. Box 30105
  Bethesda , MD 20824-0105
  Phone: 1- 301 - 592-8573
  Web Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/infoctr/index.htm
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child has chills, a cough, or feels weak and achy.
  
  
• Your child's skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's ASD, medicines, or his treatments.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your child has weakness or numbness in an arm, leg, or on his face.
  
  
• Your child's lips or fingernails are blue or white in color.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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