Growth Disorders

Slow growth occurs when a child is not growing at the average rate for their age. The delay may be due to an underlying health condition, such as growth hormone deficiency. Some growth problems are genetic. Others are caused by a hormonal disorder or the inadequate absorption of food.

Normal growth in children happens in following manner:

Newborn to 12 months - During this period, children grow at an average height of about 10 inches. This progress is dependent on nutrition.

1 to 2 years - At this age, children grow at an average height of 5 inches. Hormonal factors play an essential role in the growth and development of your child.

2 to 3 years - Children of this age grow by 3.5 inches per year.

Causes & Treatment

There are a number of factors that can cause slow growth in children.

Endocrine disease can alter the development and distribution of the thyroid hormone, which is essential for the development of your child.

Constitutional delay can make children grow at a normal rate but are shorter than average.

Intrauterine growth restriction which leads to poor development of the fetus while in the mother’s womb is a common cause of slow growth.

Genetic disorders like Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, and achondroplasia can affect a child's growth.

The following are treatment options that child specialist at Jiva Hospital, Purnia India may recommend for children in an earlier stage of development:

Growth hormone injections help children with growth hormone deficiency as well as Turner syndrome. The growth hormone is considered safe and effective.

Thyroid hormone replacement may be recommended if a child has low levels of this hormone.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr Singh is one of the best child specialist in Purnia to take care of various seasonal problems in children. Apart from normal medical issues Dr Singh is also vastly experienced in managing growth disorders in children, vaccinations, low weight and premature babies. At Jiva Hospital, we have the faciltiy of inpatient treatment as well incase the child needs admission for administration of intravenous fluids and medications. The cost of the treatment also depends upon whether the treatment is being done on OPD basis or needs admission.