Child development

What is child development?

Child development is the set of different phases of physical, psychological and social growth that occur from birth until reaching adulthood. In some cases, children may experiences, which may require treatment.

What are the symptoms of child developmental problems?

These problems are basically characterised by a delay in development, when the child does not have the psychological and social skills they should have according to their age, and/or when the weight and height is below the average of other children of the same sex and age. The main symptoms are:

Weight, height or head size below normal growth curves
Weight 20% below the ideal weight
Delayed or stunted growth
A delay in physical, mental and social skills

Other symptoms that can occur in a child with developmental problems can be excessive crying, constipation, lethargy (excessive drowsiness) or irritability.

What are the causes of child developmental problems?

The causes may be related to health problems or external factors. In the first case, the main causes are:

Organ problems
Genetic problems such as Down's syndrome
Injury to the brain or central nervous system
Hormonal problems
Anaemia
Chronic infections
Gastrointestinal disorders
Problems in pregnancy or low birth weight
Metabolic problems

Regarding external factors, the main ones are:

Poverty
Relationship problems between the child and the caregiver
Exposure to parasites, toxins or infections
Lack of knowledge of the parents about the food needs of the child
Bad eating habits

However, many times the cause cannot be detected.

What is the treatment for child developmental problems?

The treatment varies depending on the cause of the child's developmental problem. If it is due to an illness, the appropriate treatment will be carried out.

Alternatively, if it is due to nutritional problems, this can be addressed by evaluating the child’s diet and preparing an adequate nutrition plan.

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Experts in Child development

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Dr Margarita Burmester
Paediatrics

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Expert in:
- Health check up (health screening)
- Preventive Paediatrics
- Paediatrics
- Infant colic
- Child development
- Child health surveillance
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Dr Daniel William Wright
GP (general practitioner)

Expert in:
- Sexual health
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- Allergy
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Child development
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