[Respiratory and lung diseases in patients with Down Syndrome].

Among the pulmonary issues frequently observed in children with Down syndrome and in the further course of their lives are recurrent and severe respiratory infections, airway anomalies, pulmonary vascular diseases, cystic lung diseases, and obstructive sleep apnea.Common conditions associated with Down syndrome, such as hypotonia, dysphagia, and immune system disorders, can contribute to recurrent respiratory problems. Therefore, children and adults with Down syndrome and persistent or unexplained respiratory symptoms should have these underlying health conditions considered and be treated appropriately. In addition to these respiratory complications, increased morbidity and mortality are often due to further comorbidities, such as obesity, congenital heart defects, gastroesophageal reflux, other gastrointestinal disorders and perioperative complications.It is crucial to recognize that aspiration pneumonia is a significant risk factor; thus, all individuals with Down syndrome should be systematically evaluated for dysphagia, and preventive measures (such as oral hygiene and swallowing training) should be implemented as needed.Given the complexity of certain pulmonary conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, treatment in specialized centers is recommended.The development of specialized medical care programs for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases in individuals with Down syndrome is of central importance.