Adverse reaction to drugs and anaesthetics
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prolonged drowsiness after routine anaesthesia.
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abnormal response to some tranquillising drugs.
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abnormal response to slimming pills and appetite suppressants.
Poor control of body temperature
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erratic behaviour and/or lethargy may occur in very cold or very hot weather.
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risk of hypothermia in very cold weather.
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infections occasionally do not cause the usual rise in body temperature,
or can cause an unusually high temperature.
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poor circulation.
High pain threshold - insensitivity to pain
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may mask severity of injuries or disease.
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the person may be unaware of relatively severe internal disorders.
Skin problems
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picking at the skin, finger and toe nails, or at insect bites may result
in infections.
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rectal picking may occur and should he considered first in any conditions
relating to the rectum.
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cellulitis may occur, especially in overweight adults. Oedema may result
in lymphatic obstruction, which places people at risk of recurrent cellulitis.
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intertrigo (superficial inflammation occurring in moist skin folds).
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Easy bruising
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fairly slight injuries may result in large bruises. The person with PWS may
not be able to say how the bruises occurred (due to high pain threshold).
Lack of vomiting
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due to poor muscle tone, people with PWS are often unable to vomit.
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seek medical assistance immediately if the person has eaten or drunk poisonous
substances.
Diabetes
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diabetes mellitus may develop in overweight teenagers and adults.
Sleep apnoea (cessation of breathing for short periods whilst asleep)
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relatively common in PWS, often, but not always, in those who are significantly
over weight.
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can occur in children with PWS.
Scoliosis and other forms of curvature of the spine
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regular checks should be made on the spine to ensure there is no onset of
scoliosis, which may occur at any age.
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The above are not exhaustive characteristics or reactions, and more specific
information on PWS can be obtained from the PWSA (UK) or its medical advisors.
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