Pediatrics reports on a recent study that explored health issues specific to children with Down Syndrome.  Results of a survey indicated that children with Down Syndrome had higher odds of experiencing recent food allergies, > 3 ear infections, frequent diarrhea, recent head/chest cold and developmental disabilities.   More than 25% of the children with Down Syndrome needed help for physical care and received physical or related therapy. 

Reference:  Schieve, Laura A., Boulet, Sheree L., Boyle, Coleen, Rasmussen, Sonja A., Schendel, Diana

Health of Children 3 to 17 Years of Age With Down Syndrome in the 1997-2005 National Health Interview Survey

Pediatrics 2009 123: e253-e260