Not all children grow at the same rate. There is a wide range of growth
that is considered normal.
Children who fail to thrive grow at a rate below this normal range.
Even small children can grow at a normal rate.
There is a problem when your child suddenly stops growing or she begins
growing at a much slower rate than she had been.
What causes failure to thrive?
A child who fails to thrive may not be getting enough nutrition for normal
growth and development.
The child may have a problem absorbing nutrients from food.
The child may not be getting enough food.
The child may have little appetite, especially if she is depressed or has
other social problems. Children who aren't getting enough attention often
have poor eating habits.
Children with medical or social problems may not grow well.
Often there are several causes at once.
Who is at risk?
Failure to thrive usually affects young children, especially under the age
of 2.
How is it diagnosed?
Infants and toddlers are weighed and measured during their well-child exams.
The doctor compares the child's growth to standard height-weight charts.
The doctor checks to see that your child is growing at an acceptable rate.
Even small children grow at acceptable rates, but the doctor may take more
tests or ask you questions to find out why the child is small.
The parents' size or rate of growth can often explain the child's size.
For example, a daughter may be short because her mom is short.
Premature babies are often compared to a different chart since they were
born early.
Children with specific medical problems are compared on special charts.
What are the effects?
Poor physical growth can lead to other developmental problems.
The type and severity of the problems vary among children.
It can lead to poor brain growth, especially in children under 1 year old.
Poor brain growth can make it difficult for your child to succeed at the
same things in school as other kids her age. It can also put her behind socially.
Her verbal skills (speaking) may be below average.
She may have eating problems, such as being a slow eater or a picky eater.
How is failure to thrive treated?
The doctor tries to find out why the child isn't getting enough nutrients.
Any condition that is affecting the child's growth is treated.
In some cases, a social service agency is called to help.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor to schedule regular well-child exams where your child's
height and weight can be measured.
Call the doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate
or if her rate of growth suddenly changes (gets slower or stops).
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Children who fail to thrive grow at a rate below the normal range.
A child who fails to thrive is not getting enough nutrition for normal growth
and development.
Failure to thrive usually affects young children, especially under the age
of 2.
Infants and toddlers are weighed and measured during their well-child exams
so the doctor can compare the child's growth to standard height-weight charts.
Poor physical growth can lead to other developmental problems.
The doctor tries to find out why the child isn't getting enough nutrients
and treats the problem or problems.
Call the doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate.
References
The Merck Manual. Children's Health Issues: Chapter 257. (cited 18 December
2001). Available from: URL: http://www.merck.com/pubs/manual_home/sec23/257.htm
Greene, S M.D. Growth Disturbances. NetDoctor.com. (cited 18 December 2001).
Available from: URL: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/growthabnormalities.htm
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