Growth deficiencies in infants and toddlers, also called failure to thrive, can occur in association with several nutritional problems. By making sure that your child gets all his well-baby and toddler checkups, you can help your pediatrician monitor his growth and catch problems early on, resulting in a better prognosis and fewer complications. Your child may be small just because you and your husband are small. Or your child may have a problem that needs further evaluation and treatment.
Symptoms
Signs of inadequate nutrition or problems with nutrient absorption range in severity, depending on the degree of deficiency. Failure to reach infant and toddler milestones is one indicator. This includes walking, rolling over and sitting up. Other signs may include dry and dull skin and hair, sunken eyes, cracked lips, bleeding gums, cavities and brittle nails. Infants and toddlers who appear exceptionally thin or are below the curve on growth charts may also be having trouble getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Causes
Infants and toddlers who do not get enough to eat, whether because of poverty or neglect are at an increased risk of developing growth problems. Several medical conditions also contribute to failure to thrive. Malabsorption issues make it difficult for an infant or toddler's body to efficiently absorb nutrients from meals. This includes celiac disease, lactose or fructose intolerance, cystic fibrosis and acid reflux. Children who suffer from chronic diarrhea may also have trouble getting enough vitamins and minerals. Food allergies can also keep your child from getting all the nutrition she needs.
Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves blood work, X-rays, urine and stool samples and food diaries. Once a diagnosis is made, your child's doctor will help you determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, your infant or toddler will be prescribed supplement drinks, which increase her nutrient and calorie intake, treating both vitamin and mineral deficiencies and failure to thrive. If there is a malabsorption or acid reflux issue, eliminating trigger foods may help to resolve the problem. Some children may need prescription medication to treat the underlying cause of the deficiency. Following a balanced diet also helps to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake, facilitating healthy and normal growth. Your child's pediatrician will want to continue with regular checkups to monitor her progress. If you have been referred to a specialist, he will also continue to see your child
Complications
Untreated nutritional deficiencies often result in growth problems, but the complications can be much more far-reaching. Lack of adequate vitamin and mineral intake can interfere with an infant or toddler's ability to talk, learn and socialize and may even delay puberty later in life. His emotions and mental health may also be affected. By catching an issue early, you can also get the additional help your child needs well before he starts school. For example, that additional help could include occupational or speech therapy.
References
- Ask Dr. Sears: Getting Enough to Eat
- Child Welfare Information Gateway; Child Neglect: A Guide for Prevention, Assessment and Intervention; 2006
- The American College of Gastroenterology; Common Gastrointestinal Problems in Pediatric Patients; Marsha Kay, MD, et.al.
- Medline Plus: Failure to Thrive
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Failure to Thrive; Neil K. Keneshiro, MD; August 2009
