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

    Sleep Apnea

    Sleep apnea is also often known as episodes of paused breathing while sleeping. It affects airflow to the nose and mouth. Episodes that last for 10 seconds or longer are defined as sleep apnea. Individuals may experience episodes of 2-3 minutes long in more severe cases. It can be due to anatomic abnormalities (abnormalities in or with the body) that interfere with the airflow. It may also be due to positional abnormalities during sleep or central apnea, in which the part of the brain which regulates the frequency of breathing malfunctions.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Sleep Disturbance

    Sleep that is disturbed or abnormal. It may include any of the following specific sleep issues or conditions: Insomnia (inability to sleep) Hypersomnia or excessive day sleepiness (excessive sleepiness during the day) Sleep that is non-restorative (the sleeper does not wake feeling refreshed) Disruptions to the sleep schedule Sleep apnea Restlessness

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Small Earlobe

    The definition is highly variable. But generally it refers to an earlobe which is smaller than the average. This reduced size may range from absent to less severe or marked. 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 ear is a part of the auditory system of the body. The auditory system includes the ear itself and its parts: the inner, middle and outer ear. Symptoms affecting the ears may be congenital, present at birth, or they may develop later in life. Sometimes surgery may be an option to correct them. Symptoms relating to the ears may affect their structure and function including their ability to hear, other times they may simply affect the shape or appearance of the ear without any impact on hearing.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Small for Gestational Age

    Small for gestational age means that a fetus is measuring smaller than it should, taking into account norms for its sex, and gestation date (week or month of pregnancy). It is measured as anything less than the interval in which 90% of fetuses of the same gestational age measure.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Smooth Philtrum

    When the skin between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip is flat and smooth without any ridge in the centre of the upper lip. It is not a feature that is easily measured although measurements have developed over time, and a diagnosis should occur when the face is neutral (without expression).

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Sparse Hair

    This means a reduced amount or density of hair. Hair growth is decreased. Hair with a reduced diameter is known as fine hair making it different from the definition of sparse hair. 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. Hair is a part of the integumentary system of the body, a system that includes not only hair but also skin and nails too. The integumentary system acts to protect our body from external threats or injury. Generally, symptoms affecting the hair can be seen with the eye. Although diagnosing a hair-related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the hair affect hair on all parts of the body, including the scalp, torso, and face. They may also affect specific features of the face, including the eyebrows and eyelashes. When looking specifically at symptoms relating to the hair, other aspects such as the amount, distribution, thickness, texture, and color should also be taken into consideration.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Sparse/Absent Eyelashes

    Eyelashes that are absent completely, and do not grow. Or eyelashes that are very sparse and thin, and almost absent. Eyelashes that may be partial or complete. 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. Hair is a part of the integumentary system of the body, a system that includes not only hair but also skin and nails too. The integumentary system acts to protect our body from external threats or injury. Generally, symptoms affecting the hair can be seen with the eye. Although diagnosing a hair-related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the hair affect hair on all parts of the body, including the scalp, torso, and face. They may also affect specific features of the face, including the eyebrows and eyelashes. When looking specifically at symptoms relating to the hair, other aspects such as the amount, distribution, thickness, texture, and color should also be taken into consideration.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Strabismus

    Strabismus or crossed eyes are when the eyes do not align together. This misalignment may cause one eye to point in a different direction than the other. Sometimes this misalignment is visible from an initial look at the eyes, in other cases, it requires a more measured and precise diagnosis. Strabismus may have a genetic cause, as it has been found to run in families. It may also be one of the symptoms of a genetic syndrome.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Synophrys

    It is a facial feature that is defined by the coming together of the two eyebrows in the midline of the face. This gives the appearance of one, solid eyebrow instead of two. 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. Hair is a part of the integumentary system of the body, a system which includes not only hair but also skin and nails too. The integumentary system acts to protect our body from external threats or injury. Generally, symptoms affecting the hair can be seen with the eye. Although diagnosing a hair related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the hair affect hair on all parts of the body, including the scalp, torso and face. They may also affect specific features of the face, including the eyebrows and eyelashes. When looking specifically at symptoms relating to the hair, other aspects such as the amount, distribution, thickness, texture and colour should also be taken into consideration.

    Read more
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