Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Everyone is born with ductus arteriosus: a small opening between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Usually this opening closes a couple hours after birth. In some cases, especially premature babies, the opening fails to close, allowing blood that should go through the aorta to the body to go back to the lungs.
Symptoms include slow growth, tiring quickly and rapid breathing.
Everyone is born with ductus arteriosus: a small opening between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Usually this opening closes a couple hours after birth. In some cases, especially premature babies, the opening fails to close, allowing blood that should go through the aorta to the body to go back to the lungs.
Symptoms include slow growth, tiring quickly and rapid breathing.