Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Child
Overview
Causes
This problem is present at birth. It happens when the valve has not developed as it should. It is not known why this happens. Genes, the environment, and dietary factors may play a role.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems may be mild to severe. They may be:
- Heavy or rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Blue or pale gray skin color
- Lack of energy
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, eyelids, and belly
- Urinating less
Treatments
Treatment
Mild stenosis may not need treatment right away. The doctor will monitor the child for any changes.
In others, the goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and prevent damage. Activity levels may need to be lowered.
Surgery may be done to repair or replace the problem valve. Choices are:
- Balloon valvuloplasty to pass a balloon to the valve and inflates it to open the valve
- Valve replacement to remove the problem valve and put a mechanical or tissue valve in its place
- Open heart surgery to repair valves that cannot be opened with other methods
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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