Faltering growth
Faltering growth, sometimes called failure to thrive, describes a child who is not gaining weight or growing at the expected rate for their age.
Assessing faltering growth
Faltering growth is a clinical finding rather than a diagnosis. Dr Sood takes a comprehensive history covering feeding from birth, dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, and developmental milestones. A physical examination and targeted investigations point to what needs to be done.
Causes that are commonly assessed include food allergy or intolerance (particularly cow's milk protein allergy in infants), gastro-oesophageal reflux affecting feeding, selective eating, coeliac disease, and rarer metabolic or endocrine conditions.
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E. Do not wait. Always carry prescribed emergency medication as directed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Causes range from inadequate calorie intake (often related to feeding difficulties, food allergy, or selective eating) to medical conditions affecting absorption or metabolism. In many cases a combination of factors is involved.
If your child's weight or height has crossed two or more centile lines downward on their growth chart, or if you are worried about their eating or development, a paediatric assessment is appropriate.
Not always: some children are constitutionally small without any underlying problem. A thorough assessment helps distinguish constitutional short stature from faltering growth requiring treatment.
Concerned about your child?
Book a consultation with Dr Sood to discuss your child's symptoms and get a clear diagnosis.