Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 14, 2025

Did you know? People with Down syndrome are at greater risk of complications from general anesthesia.

Many people with Down syndrome will undergo anesthesia more frequently than people without Down syndrome and are at an increased risk of complications from general anesthesia.

Several co-occurring conditions that can increase the risk of general anesthesia are more common in people with Down syndrome. These include: 

• Dysphagia (impaired swallowing)
• Sleep apnea and smaller airways
• Obesity
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)
• Congenital heart disease
• Atlantoaxial instability (AAI)

With careful evaluation for and attention to these and other health conditions, people with Down syndrome can undergo anesthesia safely. Learn more in this Anesthesia article by Brian Chicoine, MD.