Failure to thrive (FTT) is a medical term used to describe a condition in which an infant, child, or adult is not growing or developing as expected. FTT can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor nutrition, medical conditions, and social or environmental factors.
In infants and children, FTT is typically defined as a weight that falls below the fifth percentile for age and sex, or a weight that is less than 80% of the ideal body weight for age and sex. Other signs of FTT in children may include slow or delayed growth, delayed motor skills, and developmental delays.
There are several different factors that can contribute to FTT in infants and children. These may include:
- Nutritional deficiencies: Infants and children who are not receiving adequate nutrition may experience FTT. This can be due to a lack of breastmilk or formula, or a lack of nutrient-rich solid foods in the diet.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or congenital heart defects, may interfere with a child’s ability to absorb nutrients or may increase their metabolic needs.
- Social or environmental factors: Social or environmental factors, such as poverty, neglect, or abuse, can also contribute to FTT in children. Children who are not receiving adequate emotional or social support may also experience FTT.
- Genetic factors: Some genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, may increase the risk of FTT in children.
In adults, FTT is typically defined as unintentional weight loss of 5% or more of body weight over a period of 6-12 months. FTT in adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Chronic medical conditions: Chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can cause unintentional weight loss and FTT in adults.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or antidepressants, may cause unintended weight loss and FTT in adults.
- Poor nutrition: Adults who are not consuming adequate nutrients or who have difficulty swallowing or digesting food may experience FTT.
- Social or environmental factors: Social or environmental factors, such as poverty, isolation, or lack of access to nutritious food, may contribute to FTT in adults.
Treatment for FTT depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In infants and children, treatment may involve addressing nutritional deficiencies, treating any underlying medical conditions, or addressing social or environmental factors that may be contributing to the condition. In adults, treatment may involve addressing any underlying medical conditions, improving nutrition, and providing social and emotional support.
In conclusion, FTT is a medical term used to describe a condition in which an infant, child, or adult is not growing or developing as expected. FTT can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor nutrition, medical conditions, and social or environmental factors. Treatment for FTT depends on the underlying cause of the condition and may involve addressing nutritional deficiencies, treating underlying medical conditions, and providing social and emotional support.
