Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing early indicators for timely intervention.

What Are Signs and Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms are indicators that provide clues about a child’s health, development, or well-being. Signs are objective, observable phenomena such as a rash or fever, while symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the child, like feeling tired or experiencing pain. Understanding and recognizing these indicators is crucial for parents as they often serve as the first hint that something might be amiss. Early identification of signs and symptoms can lead to prompt medical evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention, ultimately improving outcomes for the child. Parents should be observant and note any new or unusual signs and symptoms, as these can provide valuable information to healthcare providers.

Common Signs and Symptoms in Children

Children can exhibit a wide range of signs and symptoms as they grow and develop. Common signs include physical changes like unexpected weight loss, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes. Typical symptoms might involve behavioral changes such as increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, or sudden changes in appetite. Additionally, cognitive and emotional signs, such as difficulty concentrating, frequent outbursts, or unusual fears, can indicate underlying issues. It’s important to differentiate between normal developmental variations and signs that may suggest a concern. Keeping a record of when signs and symptoms first appeared, their frequency, and any associated triggers can help healthcare providers in making accurate assessments and recommendations.

When to Seek Professional Help

Parents should seek professional guidance when signs and symptoms persist or worsen, or if they cause significant concern. Indicators that warrant immediate medical attention include severe pain, difficulty breathing, high fever, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and any sign of a serious allergic reaction. For more subtle or chronic issues, such as developmental delays, social withdrawal, or consistent academic difficulties, consulting a pediatrician or specialist can provide clarity and direction. Early intervention services, counseling, and specialized therapies are available to address a wide array of concerns, ensuring that children receive the support they need. Building a partnership with healthcare providers and staying informed about your child’s health and development will empower you to act swiftly and effectively when signs and symptoms arise.

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Articles about Signs and Symptoms

  • Signs & Symptoms

    Open Mouth

    A mouth that is permanently open or what may be defined as nearly always open. An open mouth gives the appearances of a permanently gaping mouth. Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome. The mouth is a part of the GI tract of the digestive system of the body, a system which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.The digestive system is what makes it possible for the body to eat and digest essential nutrients from food. Sometimes symptoms affecting the mouth can be seen with the eye. Although diagnosing a mouth related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the mouth may affect its structure, shape and/ or function. Some features will affect just the appearance of the mouth while others may affect its ability to function properly as a part of the digestive system.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Optic Atrophy

    Optic atrophy affects the part of the eye which carries impulses from the eye to the brain. Known as the optic nerve, damage to this nerve or a wasting away of this nerve, leads to optic atrophy. Optic atrophy can cause vision impairment, including blindness in more severe cases. Some of the main symptoms of the condition include, blurred vision, difficulties with peripheral, colour and sharpness of vision. There is no treatment for optic atrophy. Once the nerves are damaged, they can not be repaired. The key to management of the condition is early detection and intervention to prevent more damage.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Overbite

    An overbite is described as a condition in which your top teeth cover your bottom teeth when biting to an increased degree. This alignment is known as a type of malocclusion, a term that describes any misaligned or crooked teeth. It is more common to have a minor overbite, but an uncorrected overbite may lead to problems in the mouth or jaw.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Overfriendliness

    A form of hypersociability that presents as mostly inappropriate over-friendliness towards others. This might go as far as being dangerous considering, for example, young children following strangers without restriction.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Patent ductus arteriosus

    Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition in which a fetal blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, does not close as it should following birth. This in turn means that oxygenated blood is able to flow from the left heart to the lungs, from the aorta (which has a higher pressure) to the pulmonary artery. This can lead to an increase in the blood pressure in the baby’s lungs, while at the same time enlarging and weakening the heart. PDA is usually found and confirmed within a few days of birth. It is more commonly found in infants born prematurely and those with other congenital heart defects. Patent ductus arteriosus is corrected with a catheter procedure to close the ductus arteriosus. Sometimes this can be performed in an outpatient setting and may not require an overnight stay.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Pear-shaped Nose

    A pear-shaped nose is an abnormal nasal structure. This shape can be caused by a rare autosomal syndrome caused by mutations in the Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type I gene. It is a distinctive change in facial appearance.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Pectus Excavatum

    It is a defect of the chest where the sternum of the chest is depressed. This gives the chest the appearance of being ‘caved-in.’ Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome. The skeletal system is made up of all of the bones and joints of the body. This includes 270 bones at birth, which reduces to 206 once an individual reaches adulthood as some bones fuse together during this period. The skeletal system has many crucial functions including the protection of crucial body organs, body movement, storing minerals and fats and forming blood cells. Symptoms affecting the skeletal system may be seen with the naked eye. Diagnosing a skeletal related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the skeleton may affect the ability of an individual to function and move normally.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Pes Planus

    Often referred to as flat feet or a flat foot it refers to when the arch of a foot makes contact with the ground when an individual is standing upright. The arch of the foot is reduced. Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome. Limbs refer to the arms and legs of the body. They also include the hands and feet connected to the main limbs. Parts of the limbs include the fingers and toes, known as digits. The limbs are an essential part of many different functions of the body, including movement, feeding and other necessary daily skills. Symptoms and features affecting the development and functioning of the limbs may also impact on these activities as well. Generally, symptoms affecting the limbs may be seen with the naked eye. Although diagnosing a limb related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Piebaldism

    Melanocytes are cells that assist in producing the pigment melanin which contributes to skin, hair, and eye color. Piebaldism is a symptom that is distinguished by the lack of melanocyte cells in areas of the hair and skin. There tends to be noticeably white patches in certain areas of the face or hair. This condition is visible from birth and usually remains the same throughout life.

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