Patient's question:
My niece was found to have a ventricular septal defect at birth, and she is now two years old. However, the child is growing quite healthy. I would like to ask what potential harms this condition may cause?Doctor's answer:
Patent foramen ovale patients are usually asymptomatic in the postnatal period and during infancy, with occasional transient cyanosis. As they grow older, symptoms gradually become more apparent, and they are prone to recurrent respiratory infections, reduced exercise tolerance, and symptoms such as dyspnea and cough during exertion. The left chest is often bulging. It is recommended that families maintain a calm mindset and consider interventional or surgical treatment between the ages of 3 and 5 to avoid missing the optimal treatment window.