Children who do not grow properly?
Hello, I have a 2-year and 5-month-old son who eats 4 to 6 meals a day, but his weight has not increased for over a year.
He has taken various Chinese herbal medicines to improve his constitution, but it hasn't helped; he only weighs 10 kilograms.
A friend suggested that I consult a doctor, but I'm unsure where to start or which specialty to seek.
Someone recommended you, but I'm not sure if I should see an endocrinologist.
Thank you very much.
Niu Niu Ma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/10/26
Dr. Hou Jiawei reply Rare Disease
During this period, the baby's weight gain has indeed been insufficient, which may indicate an underlying health issue.
It is necessary to take the child to a medical facility for diagnosis to determine whether the growth delay is due to gastrointestinal, dietary, nutritional, or metabolic-endocrine abnormalities.
The outpatient department can arrange for relevant tests and further treatment.
Reply Date: 2007/10/26
More Info
When it comes to understanding growth issues in children, especially in the case of your 2-year and 5-month-old son who has not gained weight over the past year, it is crucial to approach the situation with a comprehensive understanding of pediatric health. Your concern is valid, and seeking medical help is an important step in ensuring your child's well-being.
Firstly, it is essential to recognize that growth patterns in children can vary significantly. However, consistent lack of weight gain, particularly when it has persisted for over a year, warrants a thorough evaluation. In your son's case, weighing only 10 kilograms at this age is below the average weight for his age group, which typically ranges from about 12 to 14 kilograms. This discrepancy can indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
The first step in addressing your concerns is to consult a pediatrician. A pediatrician specializes in the health and development of children and can provide a comprehensive assessment of your son's growth. They will likely conduct a physical examination and review his growth charts to determine if he is following a normal growth trajectory. If there are concerns about his growth, the pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist, who specializes in hormone-related growth issues, including growth hormone deficiencies or other endocrine disorders.
In addition to hormonal evaluations, it is also important to consider nutritional factors. A registered dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition can assess your son's dietary intake and ensure he is receiving adequate nutrition for healthy growth. Children at this age require a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth and development. If your son is eating 4 to 6 meals a day but not gaining weight, it may be beneficial to evaluate the quality and caloric density of those meals.
Furthermore, it is essential to rule out any potential medical conditions that could be affecting your son's growth. Conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic issues, or chronic illnesses can significantly impact a child's ability to gain weight and grow properly. A thorough medical evaluation may include blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures to identify any underlying issues.
In summary, if you are concerned about your son's growth and weight gain, the best course of action is to start with a visit to a pediatrician. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine if further referrals to specialists, such as a pediatric endocrinologist or dietitian, are necessary. Early intervention is key in addressing growth issues, and with the right support and guidance, you can help ensure your son reaches his full growth potential. Remember, every child is unique, and growth patterns can vary, but seeking professional help is the best way to navigate these concerns effectively.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Growth Delays: When to Seek Medical Advice for Your Child
My child is in the third grade of elementary school, but their height is only 120.2 cm. Their daily routine is normal, appetite is good, and they are very active. The mother is 152 cm tall and the father is 170 cm tall. Should I be concerned that this is a metabolic issue, or cou...
Dr. Xu Shanjing reply Rare Disease
It is generally necessary to know whether the child is a boy or a girl. A height of 120.2 cm corresponds to an 8-year-old child. If the child is 9 years old, this height would be considered short, falling below the 2nd percentile; otherwise, it is within the normal range. The mos...[Read More] Understanding Growth Delays: When to Seek Medical Advice for Your Child
Understanding Growth Disorders in Children: Causes and Solutions
Dear Dr. Jian, My son is a sixth grader and stands at 179.5 cm tall. While many parents would be pleased with such height, he has several concerning issues that I would like your advice on regarding management or further medical evaluation. 1. He is prone to fractures; for inst...
Dr. Jian Yingxiu reply Rare Disease
In this situation, in addition to parathyroid issues, it may be necessary to consider structural abnormalities of the bones or other congenital metabolic disorders. It is recommended that you bring your previous test results and promptly visit a genetic counseling clinic at a med...[Read More] Understanding Growth Disorders in Children: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Growth Concerns in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
My niece is currently in sixth grade, and she started her menstruation in the first semester of fifth grade. Her parents are of average height, with her father being 165 cm and her mother 155 cm. However, my niece is only 140 cm tall. I'm wondering if she might have dwarfism...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Typically, a girl's height will continue to increase until around the age of 14 or 15. Therefore, it may be beneficial to supplement nutrition and engage in more physical activity to see if she can grow taller. A height of 140 cm is not considered dwarfism. If there are stil...[Read More] Understanding Growth Concerns in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Signs of Growth Delay: When to Seek Endocrine Evaluation for Your Child
"From birth to puberty, if a child grows less than four centimeters per year, it may indicate signs of slow growth. Therefore, if parents notice this phenomenon in their child at a young age, they should promptly take the child to seek treatment from an endocrinologist. For ...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, we are very pleased to receive your inquiry. Regarding your question, individual growth and development can vary significantly from person to person. We recommend that you consult with an endocrinologist for a detailed evaluation.[Read More] Signs of Growth Delay: When to Seek Endocrine Evaluation for Your Child
Related FAQ
Height
(Rare Disease)
Congenital Metabolic Disorders(Rare Disease)
Rare Disease Treatment(Rare Disease)
Newborn Screening(Rare Disease)
Tourette Syndrome(Rare Disease)
Muscular Diseases(Rare Disease)
Osteogenesis Imperfecta(Rare Disease)
Ichthyosis(Rare Disease)
Chromosomes(Rare Disease)
G6Pd Deficiency(Rare Disease)