What are the symptoms of pulmonary stenosis in a child? In valve and pulmonary artery stenosis in children, depending on the severity of the obstruction, the amount of blood flow through this path is different. Depending on the severity of the stenosis, the symptoms of the disease are also different. In children with severe narrowing of the pulmonary path, they are usually completely symptomatic. A child with mild pulmonary stenosis may have few or no symptoms. They may become symptomatic later in life. Obstruction and symptoms can worsen over time. Usually, this disease is not diagnosed during the fetal period, except in severe cases. Pulmonary valvular stenosis in children often occurs as part of other complex congenital heart defects. Like Tetralogy of Fallot disease - The most common symptoms may include the following: - Breathing fast - Shortness of breath - Bluish color around the lips or fingers, which means lack of oxygen (cyanosis). - Feeling tired, especially with activity or exercise - Fast heartbeat - Swelling of feet, ankles, knees, face or abdomen - fainting (syncope) - Chest pain

How is pulmonary stenosis diagnosed in a child? Your child's doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. He will examine your child thoroughly. He will listen to the sounds of your child's heart and lungs with the examination phone. Your child's doctor may hear an abnormal heart sound (heart murmur). He or she may also find other signs or symptoms. He may refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist. (a doctor with special training to treat heart problems in children) A cardiologist will also examine your child. He will listen carefully for a heart murmur. Details of the heart murmur help in the diagnosis. Your child may need tests such as: ### • ***X-ray photo of the chest:*** With this photo of the chest, changes in the heart or pulmonary artery may be seen. ### ***• Electrocardiogram (heart strip):*** An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart. It shows abnormal beats (arrhythmias), and it determines the stress of the heart muscle. Although the ECG is often normal, it may show abnormalities seen with pulmonary stenosis. ### ***• Echocardiogram (echo):*** Echo uses sound waves (sonography) to create a moving image of the heart and heart valves. This test is very useful in diagnosing pulmonary stenosis. ### ***• Cardiac catheterization (angiography):*** Your child will be given medicine to help them relax. The doctor inserts a special flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel from the groin vein. and transfers it to the heart. Blood pressure and oxygen are measured and checked in the four chambers of the heart as well as in the pulmonary artery and aorta. Contrast material is also injected so that the doctor can see the structures inside the heart more clearly. Your child may not need this test if initially diagnosed with an echocardiogram.

How is pulmonary stenosis treated in children? Mild pulmonary stenosis often does not require treatment. Moderate or severe stenosis needs repair and correction. Some babies are very unwell and require care in the intensive care unit (NICU) before the defect is corrected. Some babies may need immediate correction if the stricture is severe. Prostaglandins, a drug that keeps the ductus arteriosus open, are given to the patient so that enough blood can flow to the lungs. After stabilizing the child's general condition, an appropriate method is chosen to repair the stenosis. A child who has less stenosis is planned to be repaired so that the repair can be done at the right time.

Methods for treating stenosis include:

### • **Dilation with balloon or valvuloplasty:** Angiography and valvuloplasty is a diagnostic and therapeutic method. The tip of the cardiac catheter is a balloon. When the catheter reaches the valve or narrowed area, the doctor briefly fills the balloon with fluid and deflates it. Children treated with a balloon may take antibiotics for a while after discharge from the hospital to prevent a heart infection.

### • Volvotomy with surgery: This is a surgical procedure to remove the stuck tissue of the pulmonary valve. With this work, the constriction is properly opened.

### Volectomy with surgery: This is the surgery to remove the valve. A patch is often used to direct the blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary valve may need to be replaced when this child is an adult.

### • Creating long routes with patches: With surgery, large patches are used to widen narrow areas. which are added in the connecting path between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

### **• Pulmonary valve replacement:** Some children may need a pulmonary valve replacement. A tissue valve (porcine or human) may be used. Children who have undergone valve replacement will need to take antibiotics in the future. What is the related matter of coarctation of the aorta in the heart of children?

How can I help my child live with pulmonary stenosis? The outlook for children with pulmonary stenosis is usually excellent. For a period of time, your child's cardiologist may recommend that your child take antibiotics to prevent an infection of the heart and its valves (bacterial endocarditis). Your child may need antibiotics before medical and dental procedures. In some cases, the child's pulmonary valve may need to be re-expanded with a balloon over time. Your child may need a pulmonary valve replacement as a teenager or adult to prevent possible complications. Your child will need regular care and follow-up at a pediatric heart care center throughout his life. Consult your child's cardiologist about your child's future prospects. Children's heart specialist and answers to parents' questions

When should I call my child's doctor? If such symptoms are observed, your child needs a medical visit: - Respiratory problems - Fast heartbeat - Feeling tired - Swelling of the entire leg, ankle, face, or abdomen.

Key points about pulmonary stenosis in children: • Pulmonary stenosis makes it difficult for blood to flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. • Pulmonary stenosis can occur alone or with other congenital heart defects. • A child with pulmonary stenosis may not have any symptoms. This condition may be diagnosed by a doctor if a heart murmur is heard. • In case of symptoms, problems occur in the form of: shortness of breath, bruises, fast heartbeat, feeling tired and swelling of legs, ankles, face or abdomen. • Mild pulmonary stenosis may not require repair. If the stenosis is moderate to severe, repair may be necessary. • The outlook for children with pulmonary stenosis is often excellent.