Tetralogy of Fallot is a condition in which a combination of four heart defects are present at birth. The condition is usually treated with surgery in childhood. Parents of children with Tetralogy of Fallot should take precautions both before and after their child has surgery to prevent problems related to the condition or its repair from occurring.
YOUR CHILD'S SYMPTOMS
Your child may have symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot until a corrective surgery is done. Seek medical care if your child has one or more of the following symptoms:
• Difficulty breathing.
• Tiredness and limpness.
• Lack of response when being talked to or touched.
• Unusual fussiness.
• A seizure.
• A bluish tint to the skin, fingertips, or lips (cyanosis). If your child has …show more content…
Tetralogy spells occur when there is a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels. If your child has a Tetralogy spell:
• Bring your child’s knees to the knee-chest …show more content…
• Throughout your child's life, he or she may need to take antibiotics before dental procedures, including cleanings.
• Schedule routine dental care appointments to prevent tooth decay, which can lead to infections in the heart.
• Always make sure your child’s dentist knows your child has a heart condition. KEEPING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS INFORMED
• Tell all of your child’s health care providers about your child’s condition.
• Consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
• A medical alert bracelet tells anyone caring for your child in an emergency that your child has a heart condition.
ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
Some children may not be able to exercise vigorously without having problems.
• Limit your child’s activity if directed by your child’s health care provider.
• Exercise limitations may change after your child has surgery.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
Consider getting counseling or joining a parental support group if you are feeling stressed or are having trouble coping with your child’s condition.
ExitCare® Patient Information ©2012 ExitCare,
YOUR CHILD'S SYMPTOMS
Your child may have symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot until a corrective surgery is done. Seek medical care if your child has one or more of the following symptoms:
• Difficulty breathing.
• Tiredness and limpness.
• Lack of response when being talked to or touched.
• Unusual fussiness.
• A seizure.
• A bluish tint to the skin, fingertips, or lips (cyanosis). If your child has …show more content…
Tetralogy spells occur when there is a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels. If your child has a Tetralogy spell:
• Bring your child’s knees to the knee-chest …show more content…
• Throughout your child's life, he or she may need to take antibiotics before dental procedures, including cleanings.
• Schedule routine dental care appointments to prevent tooth decay, which can lead to infections in the heart.
• Always make sure your child’s dentist knows your child has a heart condition. KEEPING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS INFORMED
• Tell all of your child’s health care providers about your child’s condition.
• Consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
• A medical alert bracelet tells anyone caring for your child in an emergency that your child has a heart condition.
ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
Some children may not be able to exercise vigorously without having problems.
• Limit your child’s activity if directed by your child’s health care provider.
• Exercise limitations may change after your child has surgery.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
Consider getting counseling or joining a parental support group if you are feeling stressed or are having trouble coping with your child’s condition.
ExitCare® Patient Information ©2012 ExitCare,