Sub optimal growth is a concern for both parents and health care professionals. This may occur as a result of an underlying medical condition and can be pro-actively addressed whilst investigations to identify the issue are continuing. Once the condition has been identified, medical treatment is promptly initiated . Ideally sub optimal growth should be managed and treated as soon as height and weight parameters crosses certain thresholds and we can help to assess and advise on this. We can support and suggest on the best and most effective nutritional changes e.g. specialist infant formulas, macro and micro nutrient specific supplements or the use of more complete nutritional products designed and proven to appropriately support catch up growth.
The term stunted growth is often used when referring to a child’s small height for their age group, following a prolonged period of poor weight gain.
Faltering growth is commonly caused by insufficient energy and nutrient intake to meet the child’s need for growth during infancy. During early years, various medical conditions (such as gastrointestinal problems, food allergies, heart/chest problems, endocrine problems etc) can contribute to poor growth . During teenage years, delayed puberty can further contribute to the poor growth.
Please feel free to contact us regarding investigations and treatment for your child and we will be happy to see you both at the earliest opportunity.
We have private paediatric clinics based in Dorking, Surrey and Wimbledon that help to investigate and treat faltering growth and pubertal development issues.
