Many parents are concerned about their child’s height because if the child is too small or short, it can lead to a lack of confidence, a loss of personality, and a loss of future opportunities. Parents can observe and closely monitor their little one to address height issues and help their child grow to their full potential.
What factors help a child reach their full height potential?
- Proper nutrition Consume a complete diet across all 5 food groups. Emphasize high-quality protein such as milk, meat, eggs, fish, beans, as well as vegetables, fruits, calcium, vitamin D, and iron.
- Get adequate and regular sleep to help the body secrete growth hormones effectively.
- Exercise regularly such as running, jumping, swimming, cycling, and basketball to stimulate bones and muscles, making them strong.
- Annual health check-ups to monitor growth and detect any abnormalities at an early stage.
What risk factors might contribute to a child being short?
- Genetics If parents are small, the child is likely to be shorter compared to children with taller parents.
- Delayed growth Some children may appear shorter than their peers during childhood but may just be growing at a slower rate and often catch up in height during adolescence.
- Early puberty Children who develop quickly but stop growing early have a limited growth period, resulting in short stature as adults.
- Inadequate nutrition Children who are picky eaters or lack essential nutrients due to a limited or food-allergenic diet may not reach their full growth potential.
- Chronic illnesses such as asthma, congenital heart defects, including digestive and absorption issues in the intestines, if not treated or managed well, may hinder growth.
- Hormonal issues such as growth hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism.
- Genetic or chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.
- Environment and stress Children subjected to constant stress or pressure or abandoned can experience negative impacts on their growth.
When should a child see a doctor?
If a child is smaller than peers of the same age, or their height does not increase with age, or if there is a suspicion of rapid growth, they should see a pediatric endocrinologist and metabolic specialist for evaluation and proper care planning. Early intervention can minimize negative impacts on the child.
Hospitals specializing in addressing children’s height issues
Bangkok Hospital’s Pediatric Center is ready to provide treatment for influenza in children, with a team of experienced specialists and a multidisciplinary team ready to offer close consultation and care to help the little ones regain their health.
Doctors specializing in addressing children’s height issues
- Dr. Suttikarn Santiwatana, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Metabolic Specialist, Bangkok Hospital’s Pediatric Center
You can click here to make an appointment. - Dr. Alisa Kulpiya, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Metabolic Specialist, Bangkok Hospital’s Pediatric Center
You can click here to make an appointment.
