Disease factors affecting children's growth and development
Disease description:
My husband and I are both relatively short. In the past six months, I've noticed that my baby's height has hardly changed. What disease factors can affect children's growth and development?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Disease factors affecting children's growth and development mainly fall into two categories:
1. Congenital diseases: such as inborn errors of metabolism (e.g., hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria) and chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome). These conditions may lead to restricted growth and intellectual disability in children.
2. Acquired diseases: endocrine system disorders, such as growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism, can result in slow growth and delayed bone closure. Brain injuries or malformations, including hydrocephalus and intracranial tumors, may impair the central nervous system and consequently affect height development. Chronic infectious diseases, such as Kawasaki disease and tuberculosis, can also hinder linear growth when present over a prolonged period.
