What is the treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

Q: I have a problem of Patent Ductus Arteriosus(PDA). What is this and what is the remedy for it?

A:PDA is a communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery which is normally present when the baby is in the mothers womb but should close within 72 hours of birth. In a premature child it can remain open till 3 months of age. The treatment depends on the size of the PDA and the symptoms. If it is large then early closure should be done. But if is small and causing no problems then one can wait and the close it later by 1 year of age.