Even perfectly healthy children do not grow and gain weight at the exact same rate, but in pediatric medicine, there is a weight gain or gains weight a a delayed below the norm, this is cause for concern and medically refer to to "failure to thrive. "This condition can be indicative of many things, but can be one of the early warning sign of cerebral palsy (CP).
Failure to thrive can be categorized as either of the child from taking account of or in using calories for proper growth and weight gain or non-organic (resulting from abuse, neglect or other environmental Here we 'll explore organic failure to thrive as it pertains to the development of cerebral palsy.
There are a number of organic causes of failure to thrive including:
1) Damage to the brain or complications of the central nervous system
2) Cerebral palsy
3) Genetic issues
4) Chromosomal issues
5) Pulmonary or cardiopulmonary issues
6) Blood disorders such as anemia
7) Gastrointestinal problems
8) Chronic infections
They may also have motor or muscular issue that require that require growing calories and nutrients in a way that are beneficial to their growth. them from swallowing normally or keeps them from getting the level of exercise required for normal growth.
The earlier this condition is caught, the sooner corrective and the therapeutic measures can be taken to ensure the child is receiving and processing the nutrition it needs.
Including irritability, excessive sleepiness and fatigue, avoidance of eye contact, lack of vocal sounds and delayed motor development. There are numerous standard growth charts and norms for parents If your child fails to achieve this goal or fails other standard charts, which should include their own established growth curve, it should be brought to the attention of their doctor.
One of the things that will help you child will not help evaluate your child & # 39; s doctor (or dietician, if suggested) assess your child & # 39; s nutritional Sometimes a very minor change in your child & # 39; s food intake will improve their growth rate.
(Such as the Denver Developmental Screening Test) or other underlining causes for failure to thrive (such as urinalysis, tests for blood counts and electrolyte imbalance, checking for other blood conditions such as sickle cell disease (SCD), tests for kidney and bone disease).
Treatments for children suffering from failure to toreve in due to the cause of growth in the future treatment, which may include special diets, corrective surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy or other medical mediation.
Any adjustments to your child 's diet should be done in consultation with your child & # 39; 39; s doctor.
