What causes growth problems?
The cause of a growth problem depends on the type of growth disorder in question. Some growth problems are genetic, while others may be caused by hormonal disorders or poor absorption of food. Causes for growth problems usually fall into the following categories: • familial short stature Familial short stature is a tendency to follow the family’s inherited short stature (shortness). • constitutional growth delay with delayed adolescence or delayed maturation A child who tends to be shorter than average and who enters puberty later than average, but is growing at a normal rate. Most of these children tend to eventually grow to approximately the same height as their parents. • illnesses that affect the whole body (Also called systemic diseases.) Constant malnutrition, digestive tract diseases, kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and severe stress can cause growth problems. • endocrine (hormone) diseases Adequate production of the thyroid hormone is necessary for normal
