Patent Ductus Arteriosus- Symptoms
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) symptoms depend on its size, with small PDAs often causing no symptoms beyond a heart murmur. Larger PDAs can lead to rapid breathing, poor weight gain, fatigue, sweating during feeding, difficulty feeding, and a bounding pulse. A characteristic continuous heart murmur is a key sign doctors listen for. Common Symptoms in Infants and Children Respiratory Issues : Fast or heavy breathing, shortness of breath, and increased respiratory infections can occur due to blood overfilling the lungs. Feeding and Growth Problems : Babies with a large PDA may tire easily while feeding, sweat during feedings, and experience poor weight gain, a condition sometimes called failure to thrive. Cardiovascular Signs : A bounding (strong and forceful) pulse, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and a widened pulse pressure are common. Other Signs : Tiring very easily and a tendency to sweat can also be indicators.
