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Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5.
See also: Short stature
Alternative NamesGrowth - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Weight gain - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development
ConsiderationsA child should have regular, well-baby check-ups with a health care provider.
See the following for more information:
Common CausesDelayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many different things, including:
- Chronic disease
- Emotional (psychosocial) health
- Genetics
- Infection
- Poor nutrition
Many children with delayed growth also have delays in development.
See also: Failure to thrive
Home CareIf slow weight gain is due to a lack of calories, try feeding the child on demand. Increase the amount offered to the child, and offer nutritional, high-calorie foods. Also, prepare formula exactly according to directions. Do not water down (dilute) ready-to-feed formula.
Call your health care provider ifContact your health care provider if you think notice developmental delays or think eemotional issues may be contributing to a child's delayed growth.
If your child is not growing due to lack of calories, your health care provider can refer you to a nutrition expert who can help you choose the right foods to offer your child.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe health care provider will examine the child and measure height, weight, and head circumference. The parent or caregiver will be asked questions about the child's medical history, including:
- Has the child always been on the low end of the growth charts?
- Did the child's growth start out normal and then slow down?
- Is the child developing normal social skills and physical skills?
- Does the child eat well? What kinds of foods does the child eat?
- What type of feeding schedule is used?
- Is the infant fed by breast or bottle?
- If the baby is breastfed, what medications does the mother take?
- If bottle-fed, what kind of formula is used? How is the formula mixed?
- What medications does the child take?
- How tall are the child's biological parents? How much do they weigh?
- What other symptoms are present?
Ther health care provider may also ask questions about parenting habits and the child's social interactions.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests (such as a CBC or blood differential)
- Hormone studies
- Stool studies (to check for malabsorption)
- X-rays to determine bone age and to look for fractures
Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5. This may just be normal, and the child may outgrow it.
See also: Short stature
Alternative NamesGrowth - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Weight gain - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development; Growth delay
ConsiderationsA child should have regular, well-baby check-ups with a health care provider.
See the following for more information:
Common CausesConstitutional growth delay refers to children who are small for their age but are growing at a normal rate. Puberty is often late in these children.
These children continue to grow after most of their peers have stopped. Most of the time, they will reach an adult height similar to their parents' height. However, other causes of growth delay must be ruled out.
Genetics may also play a role. One or both parents may be short. Short but healthy parents may have a healthy child who is in the shortest 5% for his or her age. These children are short, but they should reach the height of one or both of their parents.
Delayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many different things, including:
- Chronic disease
- Endocrine disorders
- Emotional health
- Infection
- Poor nutrition
Many children with delayed growth also have delays in development.
See also: Failure to thrive
Home CareIf slow weight gain is due to a lack of calories, try feeding the child on demand. Increase the amount of food offered to the child. Offer nutritional, high-calorie foods.
It is very important to prepare formula exactly according to directions. Do not water down (dilute) ready-to-feed formula.
Call your health care provider ifContact your health care provider if you think developmental delays or emotional issues may be contributing to a child's delayed growth.
If your child is not growing due to a lack of calories, your health care provider can refer you to a nutrition expert who can help you choose the right foods to offer your child.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe health care provider will examine the child and measure height, weight, and head circumference. The parent or caregiver will be asked questions about the child's medical history, including:
- Has the child always been on the low end of the growth charts?
- Did the child's growth start out normal and then slow down?
- Is the child developing normal social skills and physical skills?
- Does the child eat well? What kinds of foods does the child eat?
- What type of feeding schedule is used?
- Is the infant fed by breast or bottle?
- If the baby is breast fed, what medications does the mother take?
- If bottle-fed, what kind of formula is used? How is the formula mixed?
- What medications or supplements does the child take?
- How tall are the child's biological parents? How much do they weigh?
- What other symptoms are present?
The health care provider may also ask questions about parenting habits and the child's social interactions.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests (such as a CBC or blood differential)
- Stool studies (to check for poor nutrient absorption)
- Urine tests
- X-rays to determine bone age and to look for fractures
Reiter EO, Rosenfeld RG. Normal and aberrant growth. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 23.
Bauchner H. Failure to thrive. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 37.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/17/2011
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Can low estrogen levels cause delayed breast growth in a teenage girl?
Low estrogen levels are known to cause delayed breast growth in teenage girls, but is not the only cause.
What factor besides the plague delayed the renaissance in Northern Europe?
lack of economic growth lack of economic growth lack of economic growth
What is some information about the growth of kiwi birds?
There is so much information about the growth of kiwi birds. They suffer delayed growth as a result of being flightless birds. They are also known to be nocturnal birds.
Can sickle cell anemia affect growth?
Children with sickle cell anemia may have delayed growth and reach puberty at a later age than normal
What are the effects if an infant age 4 to 6 months that is malnourished as they age?
Delayed growth and possible death. Heheheh.
Which medications are used to correct hormone deficiency in hypogonadism and treat delayed puberty in males?
Human Growth Hormone. HGH
How does saltwater affect the growth of grass?
Clogged interior parts, decreased horizontal expansion, and delayed vertical extension are ways in which saltwater affects the growth of grass. That is the scenario for grasses which are intolerant of brackish and salty waters. The outcome will be not only stunted growth in the best of interactions and no growth in the worst.
Can growth be delayed by lifting weights and getting big before your 16?
Yes, it can also permenantly stop growth. I would advise you be sensible when training at younger ages. I have answered this question presuming by "growth" you mean height. DR B.M SEARCHER
How does environment affect Growth?
depending on weather you are talking about physical or emotional environment .environment plays an important role in growth, if environmental factors are optimal then growth will be promoted, if there are things lacking in the environment the growth will be delayed or stunted.. being a little more specific would help you get a more specific answer to your question.
What are the major symptoms of rickets?
Major symptoms of rickets are delayed growth, pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs, and muscle weakness. It can also cause deformities of the skeleton such as bowed legs.
How can you get six packs in one month?
take a growth hormon take a growth hormon Be in already good shape and a reasonably low body fat. Seriously though, getting into excellent shape requires hard work, dedication and a little delayed gratification.
What effects can immobility have on a child's growth?
Immobility can lead to delayed growth in children due to reduced physical activity, decreased muscle mass development, and potentially affecting bone density. Lack of movement can also impact overall development and coordination in children.
