Failure to Thrive
Failure to thrive is a medical condition that occurs when an infant or child is not growing and developing at a normal rate. The child does not grow as much or as quickly as other children within the same age group It is often caused by a combination of medical, psychological, and environmental factors. While it can be a serious issue, it can be treated with proper diagnosis and intervention. Early diagnosis is key to helping children with this condition reach their full potential. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:
Causes of failure to thrive
Treatment of failure to thrive
When to seek urgent medical care
CAUSES OF FAILURE TO THRIVE
An illness
Poor eating habits or not getting enough nutrients to eat
Emotional problems
Mouth problems
TREATMENT OF FAILURE TO THRIVE
Treatment of the illness
Counselling to help deal with the child’s emotional problems
Solutions can be provided towards improving the home situation.
Nutritional therapy can be provided at the hospital
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE
It is important to know when to seek urgent medical care, as delaying appropriate treatment can lead to further health complications. If your baby experiences any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. If you have any doubts about whether you should seek medical care, it is always better to err on the side of caution and consult with your doctor.
The baby is having problems breathing
Collapsing
Weight loss
New symptoms develop