Children who's rate of weight gain or height is significantly below that of other children of similar age and sex, have condition known to be failure to thrive. They seem to be very much smaller or shorter than other children the same age. Teenagers usually lack changes occurring during puberty and have smaller stature and appearance.
Failure to thrive (FTT) is often a sign of under-nutrition. However, there is a wide variation in what is considered normal growth and development.
Symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Delayed puberty in teens
• Delayed motor and physical skills, such as rolling over, sitting, standing and walking in infants
• Mental and social skills
• Lack of emotions
Treatments:
Treatments depend upon the severity. Sometimes it can be resolved by treating the underlying condition. If not the doctor may prescribe supplements. Severe condition in infants are fed through tubes for quick treatment. Afterwards when the condition is in control then therapies are given such as:
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Diet therapy
