About this topic
Failure to thrive or FTT means that a child is not able to gain weight and grow right as expected based on age. This can happen at any age starting from babies to older children. ‚
Failure to thrive may be caused by many factors. Some may include social factors, early birth, physical issues, and other health problems. These include not enough food being given, problems in the stomach or intestines, or trouble absorbing food. ‚
Treatment will depend on the cause. Treatment may involve drugs, treating other health problems, and eating habits. In some cases, a feeding tube may be needed to give nutrition to your child. Admission to the hospital may also be needed if poor nutrition is severe. ‚
What are the causes?
- Breastfeeding problems
- Trouble switching from formula to solid foods
- Lack of food
- May have a problem absorbing nutrients from food
- Stomach problems like acid reflux
- Premature birth
- Child abuse or neglect
- Behavioral issues
- Other disorders or conditions
What are the main signs?
Your child is not growing or gaining weight as compared to the usual weight gain for children your childs age. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- The doctor will take a history and do an exam of your child. The doctor will ask you about:
- Your pregnancy and birth of your child
- How you feed your child
- How your child eats
- Does your child have any swallowing problems
- Your childs bowel movements
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Your child's behavior
- The doctor may ask you for a list of foods your child eats and drinks. This will help the doctor check the amount of calories your child is taking.
- Your child's doctor may order blood, urine, or other tests.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat your child based on the cause or findings. The doctor may ask you to see a dietitian or other expert to help improve your childs weight gain. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Your childs doctor may ask you to change the types and the amount of foods your child eats. The doctor may order vitamins and minerals.
- If other illnesses are found, those will be treated. This may help your child grow.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Add more vitamins and minerals into your childs diet
- Treat other problems that may be keeping your child from growing or gaining weight
What changes to diet are needed?
- Talk with your childs doctor or dietician about the best foods to feed your child.
- Your child may need to have 3 meals and 3 snacks a day. Set a schedule so the snack is more than an hour before or after a meal.
- Give healthy snacks like crackers and peanut butter, cheese, or eggs. Pudding, yogurt, and fresh fruit or veggies are also good snacks. Pretzels are too.
What problems could happen?
- Lack of interest in things around them
- Very fussy
- Not able to sit up, crawl, walk, talk at the normal age
- Hair loss
- Emotional issues
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Give your child foods that can be eaten with the fingers. Encourage your child to feed themselves. They will get messy and this is OK. You may need to help with a spoon for some foods.
- Provide a variety of foods at meal times, even if your child has refused them before. Foods may need to be offered 10 or 20 times before a child will accept it.
- Avoid junk food.
- Limit distractions during meals and snacks. Turn off the television, music, and computer. Limit phone calls.
- Mealtime should be relaxed and social. Allow your child to eat with other family members. Focus on pleasant conversation, rather than how much your child is eating.
- Praise your child for eating. Do not punish if your child does not eat. Never withhold food as punishment. Also, do not use food as a reward.
- Give your child enough time to eat.
- Avoid letting your child fill up on drinks rather than solid food. Offer solid foods before offering drinks at meal time.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Failure-to-Thrive.aspx ‚
American Family Physicians ‚
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0401/p837.html?printable=afp ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growth/failure_thrive.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚