Godson

To help relieve feeling breathless, Godson Baraka has developed a habit of “squatting” which immediately improves his oxygen levels.

The nine-year-old patient often experienced exertional dyspnea as a result of his Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a congenital heart defect comprising four anatomical abnormalities of the heart.

Children with this condition often squat because theyhave baseline hypoxia, caused by right to left shunting, which gets aggravated during exertion.

Before Godson’s operation this week, his oxygen levels were low and they would often plummet.

Since his surgery, his oxygen levels have already normalised and his squatting has stopped.

Diagnosed a year ago, Godson has suffered other symptoms such as easy fatigability and dizzy spells.

He also experienced fingerclubbing, meaning thenailbeds soften and the nails may seem to “float” instead of being firmly attached.

One of three children, Godson’s parents are looking forward to having him home.