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

    Tremor

    A tremor may occur in any part of the body. It is most commonly described as an involuntary (you have no control over it) rhythmic, shaking movement. It is the result of involuntary muscle contractions. For many people a tremor occurs in their hands, but it can also occur in the arms, head, trunk/torso, legs, and even the eyes and vocal cords. It may be the result of injury or trauma to the body, or in some cases caused by a degenerative disease such as Parkinson’s. Other times it may be completely benign and simply a one-off.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Triangular Face

    When the contour of the face seems like a triangular shape, with the breadth at the temples and tapering to a narrow chin. A triangular-shaped face may be one of the symptoms and distinct facial features of a genetic syndrome, including Leopard, Noonan, and Floating-Harbor syndromes.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Triangular Mouth

    When a mouth appears to be in a triangular shape 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

    Umbilical Hernia

    A hernia is when an internal body organ pushes through the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. The majority of hernias are abdominal, occurring between the chest and hips. But hernias can also occur in the groin and upper thigh. An umbilical hernia can usually be found near the navel. It will appear as a swelling, that will be soft to the touch. It is caused by the intestine pushing through the stomach muscles. It is generally painless and not life-threatening, but if left untreated there is a risk of it becoming strangulated. This means blood supply to the protruding organ will be cut which can cause serious complications. The most common form of treatment for an umbilical hernia is surgery.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Ventricular Septal Defect

    It is a congenital heart defect defined by the presence of a hole between the two bottom chambers or ventricles of the heart. It may also appear in adults after surgery or a heart attack. Signs of the defect include bluish lips, breathing issues and feeding difficulties. In some cases the holes close by themselves, in other’s surgery is required to close them.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Ventriculomegaly

    Ventriculomegaly is a brain condition which is defined by an increase in the size of the brain’s ventricular system. This increase is caused when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is trapped in the ventricles or spaces of the brain. Treatment is usually only determined to be necessary if, an infant with ventriculomegaly, is also showing signs of developing hydrocephalus (an excess of fluid in the brain). Treatment drains away the CSF to reduce any pressure on the brain. Signs of ventriculomegaly may include an abnormally large head, a rapid increase in head size over a period of time, sleepiness, vomiting and seizures with no identifiable cause.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Visual Impairment

    It is the loss of vision to the extent that an affected individual requires support or assistance with activities that require their sight. It may be caused by disease, trauma or genetic disease. Visual impairment is one that can not be corrected with surgery, medication or glasses and other supportive methods.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Webbed Neck

    It is a congenital feature, meaning it presents at birth. It is usually defined as a fold of skin that runs along the neck’s side, down to the shoulders. It also usually includes extra skin, with hair that extends below the back hairline.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Wide Mouth

    A wider than standard mouth. Measurements higher than two standard deviations above the norm would meet the criteria for a wide mouth. The measurement is taken between the two sides of the mouth. The length of the mouth should be measured with a relaxed face.

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Showing 244 to 252 of 254 results