Your Care Instructions
Failure to thrive is a medical term. It describes a child who gains weight or height more slowly than other children.
A baby who has failed to thrive may be slow to develop physical skills. He or she may roll over, stand, or walk later than other children do. In some cases, slow physical development leads to mental and social delays.
Failure to thrive has different causes. It can be caused by medical problems. These include anemia or thyroid problems. It can also be caused by emotional problems. And in some cases it happens when a child does not get enough to eat.
If the cause is medical, your doctor may be able to treat that problem. This could help your child gain weight at a normal rate.
If your child has emotional problems or is affected by the conditions at home, treatment may include counselling and improving the home situation. Your doctor may recommend that your child get nutritional therapy in the hospital. Your child may be able to develop at a normal rate if the period of failure to thrive has been short and your doctor finds and treats the cause.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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