Struggles in Childhood Development

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a concerning condition in which a baby's growth rate is significantly slower than that of other babies of the same age. This condition can have serious implications for a child's health and development, and it's essential to understand its causes and potential treatments.

FTT can be classified into two types: Non-Organic Failure to Thrive (NOFTT) and Organic Failure to Thrive (OFTT). NOFTT is primarily due to rejection and neglect by the mother or caregiver of the infant, while OFTT is caused by an underlying disease or sickness in the child.

In NOFTT, psychological and social reasons, such as emotional or maternal deprivation, inadequate care, postpartum depression, alcoholism or substance abuse, and preoccupation with other things, can increase the risk of FTT. On the other hand, OFTT can be caused by genetic disorders, hormonal problems, defects in major organs, neurological problems or brain damage, heart or lung problems, blood disorders, digestive problems, chronic infections, low metabolic rate, and low birth weight due to problems during pregnancy.

Premature birth and poor health due to illnesses that interfere with feeding and bonding with parents can also cause FTT. In such cases, the child may need to be hospitalized and fed through a pipe. However, most cases of FTT can be treated at home with a nutritious diet and proper guidance from a doctor.

The doctor will conduct a complete physical examination of the child, including noting the child's height, weight, any birth defects, abnormal breathing signs, and signs of any vitamin or essential nutrient deficiencies. The child's medical and family history will also be taken, as well as the diet history of the child.

Additional tests may be done to determine the cause of FTT, such as Complete Blood Count (CBC), electrolyte balance, Haemoglobin Electrophoresis, hormonal tests including thyroid function tests, X-rays to determine bone age, urine tests, and tests for specific health issues depending on the child's condition.

The Denver Developmental Screening Test may also be done on the child to determine delays in development. FTT is associated with poor developmental and emotional functioning, and it's essential to address the underlying causes to ensure the child's healthy growth and development.

Parents or caregivers may be counseled or taught certain things like breastfeeding the baby correctly or the correct amount of food to be given to the child. Taking care of the mother's health during pregnancy and addressing socio-economic and psychological issues can help in averting FTT.

FTT can trigger a number of health hazards, and that is when a doctor should be called for, including if the child has breathing problems, faints, loses weight at an alarming rate, is weak and listless, or keeps on crying. In severe cases, the child may need to be hospitalized and treated with a nutritious diet and proper medical care.

In Germany, causes of FTT in children can include nutritional deficiencies, chronic medical conditions (such as gastrointestinal diseases, congenital heart defects), psychosocial factors (including neglect or family stress), and metabolic or genetic disorders. It's essential to address these issues early to ensure the child's healthy growth and development.

Thriving does not only mean getting bigger. It means growing to one's potential, physically and emotionally. Taking care of the mother's health during pregnancy and addressing socio-economic and psychological issues can help in averting FTT and ensuring that every child thrives.