Additional treatment for a child with a congenital heart defect
Caring for your child with a congenital heart defect may involve many different types of therapy in addition to medicines and surgery. Some of these may include:
- Oxygen therapy. Your child may need extra oxygen at home. It is given through a small tube that rests at the entrance to your child's nose. Oxygen can cause a fire to burn very rapidly, so no smoking or open flames are allowed in the room where oxygen is being used. The amount of oxygen will be prescribed by your child's doctor. Do not change the amount of oxygen you give your child without the advice of your doctor.
- Family counselling. Coping with a child who has a lifelong illness impacts the entire family. If you feel that you or your family needs help dealing with the condition, talk with a health professional about counselling.
- Nutrition counselling. Getting a child with a congenital heart defect to eat can be difficult at times. Talk with your health professional about nutrition counselling.
- Vocational counselling. If your teen with a congenital heart defect has restrictions or is on medicines because of this condition, vocational counselling may be helpful when planning a career. Talk with a health professional or the school counsellor for information.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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