PATIENT INFORMATION

Faltering Growth

What is Faltering Growth 

 Lower weight/rate of weight gain than would be expected in a child 👶

 Also known as failure to thrive under-nutrition 

 Causes: inadequate nutrition, vomiting, infection, food sensitivities/allergies, some conditions e.g. cystic fibrosis 🤒


What are the Symptoms of Faltering Growth 

 Not meeting expected weight for age/sex 💯


How do you diagnose Faltering Growth 

 Weight and body mass Index (BMI) measurement 

 Professional assessment 📋


How do you Treat Faltering Growth 

 Supplementary feed

 Advice & support with improving feeding 🍎

 Treat any underlying condition

 Referral to child specialists 🏥


Why should I Worry about Faltering Growth 

 It can be normal in first days of life (fluid adjustments)

 Can affect long term growth  👨

 Behaviour/cognition/attention problems may persist

 May affect functioning of internal organs 


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