Failure to Thrive
Type: Symptom
Definition
A condition in children characterized by significantly delayed physical growth and weight gain.
Clinical Details
Because the damaged small intestine cannot absorb crucial vitamins, minerals, and calories, the child's body is starved of essential building blocks. The profound malabsorption halts normal bone development and severely limits muscular growth. It is a critical pediatric warning sign indicating severe, underlying gastrointestinal dysfunction.