Developmental delay in the child 0 to 5 years: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Delayed growth; Growth – slow (child 0 to 5 years); Weight gain – slow (child 0 to 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development; Growth delay

Growth retardation in a child is defined as slower, than expected, development of physical dimensions, weight and physical maturity. This type of slow or retarded growth can occur at any age., although it is most common in children under the age of 0 to 5 years. Growth retardation may indicate disease, requiring treatment, therefore it is important to seek medical attention, to rule out any underlying health problems.

However, this may be normal., and the baby can outgrow it.

What is growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years?

Growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years is a state, in which the child does not grow at the expected rate for his or her age. The expected growth rate of children is determined by the growth charts of the World Health Organization (WHO). These charts help healthcare professionals identify children, who may be at risk of growth retardation.

Growth retardation in children can be caused by various factors., such as genetic disorders, hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, chronic diseases and environmental factors.

Causes of growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years

• Genetic disorders. Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome, Down syndrome and Noonan syndrome, may cause growth retardation in children. These disorders affect the child's growth hormones and lead to growth retardation..
• Hormonal Imbalance. Hormonal imbalances can cause growth retardation in children. For Example, growth hormone deficiency can lead to growth retardation.
• Malnutrition. Malnutrition is a common cause of stunting in children. Lack of key nutrients, such as protein, Vitamins and minerals, may affect the growth of the child.
• Chronic diseases. Chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease, can affect the growth of the child.
• Environmental Factors. Environmental Factors, such as exposure to toxins, radiation and pollution, can affect the growth of the child.

Symptoms of growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years

The most common symptom of growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years is a slow growth rate. Other symptoms may include:

• Delayed physical development. Children with stunting may have a delay in physical development. For Example, they can start walking, talking or teething later, than their peers.
• Delayed motor development. Children with stunting may have delayed motor development. For Example, they may have difficulty with fine motor skills, eg, with grasping objects or writing.
• delayed cognitive development. Children with stunting may have cognitive retardation. For Example, they may have learning difficulties, memory or problem solving.
• small stature. Children with stunting may be smaller than their peers in height and weight.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you notice, that your child is not growing at the rate you expect or is showing signs of stunting, you should see a doctor. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the higher the chances for successful treatment.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

If you are visiting a doctor about your child's growth retardation, he may ask you some questions, eg:

• What is your baby's weight and height at birth??
• What is your child's current weight and height??
• Has your child had any health problems or illnesses?
• Your child is eating a balanced and nutritious diet?
• Has your child reached developmental milestones??

Diagnosis of growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years

To diagnose growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years, a health worker will perform a thorough physical examination and measure height, weight and head circumference of your child. He may also order blood tests., hormonal and imaging tests to detect any underlying medical conditions.

Treatment options for growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years:

Treatment of growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years depends on the underlying cause. Some treatment options may include:

• Diet therapy: if malnutrition is the cause of stunting, a healthcare professional can recommend a balanced and nutritious diet or vitamin and mineral supplements.
• growth hormone therapy: if growth retardation is caused by growth hormone deficiency, a healthcare professional may prescribe growth hormone therapy.
• Medicines: if the cause of growth retardation is a chronic disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications to treat the condition and promote growth.
• Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying conditions, causing growth retardation.

Home treatment for stunted growth in children aged 0 to 5 years

There are several things, what you can do at home, to promote the healthy growth of children from 0 to 5 years:

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Offer your child a variety of foods, rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Encourage physical activity. Encourage your child to be physically active, playing outdoors, playing sports or dancing.
• Monitor your child's growth. Keep track of your child's height and weight and report any changes to your doctor.
• Check, that your child is getting enough sleep. Check, that your child sleeps, to promote healthy growth.

Prevention of growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years

You can take several steps, to prevent growth retardation in children under the age of 0 to 5 years:

• Breastfeed. Breastfeeding provides it with essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth and development..
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Offer your child a variety of foods, rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Get enough physical activity. Encourage your child to be physically active, playing outdoors, playing sports or dancing.
• Monitor your child's growth. Keep track of your child's height and weight and report any changes to your doctor.

Conclusion

Growth retardation in children aged 0 to 5 years is a state, which may have several underlying causes. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the higher the chances for successful treatment. It is important to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet, encourage physical activity and monitor your child's growth, to promote healthy growth and development. If you notice any signs of growth retardation in your child, it is important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

Used sources and literature

Cooke D.W., DiVall SA, Radovick S. Normal and aberrant growth in children. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 25.

Kimmel SR, Ratliff-Schaub K. Growth and development. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 22.

Lo L, Ballantine A. Malnutrition. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 59.