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

    Blue Irides

    Blue irides are blue eyes. This means a very blue colouration of the iris. In many people blue eyes are simply their natural eye color, and a result of genetics, although the genetics behind eye color is very complicated. Generally blue eyes are a rare type of eye color in mammals. It is believed blue eyes appeared only anywhere from 6-10,000 years ago. Blue eyes do not contain any blue pigments.The front layer of their eye contains no pigment at all, the fibers scatter, and then light is absorbed in. The light that gets out is usually blue, making eyes appear blue. Some infants are born with bluish eyes which change color, to green or brown over time.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Brachycephaly

    An abnormal skull shape defined by a decreased diameter measurement between the front and back of the skull. It is usually measured by using the cephalic index (ratio of the maximum width of a head of a living thing, multiplied by 100 and divided by maximum length front to back), and an index greater than 81% meets the definition of brachycephaly or a wide head. It can also be measured by the presence of an obviously shortened length of the head compared to its width. Generally the current system of measuring using the cephalic index is based on average head and skull sizes for caucastion patients. This should be taken into account when diagnosing this symptom or not. It should also be noted that changes in how infants are put to sleep (on their backs in accordance with safe sleep guidelines) has had some impact on head and skull sizes and shape in healthy infants.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Brachydactyly

    Fingers and toes that are short compared to the hand or foot they are on. 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

    Brittle Scalp Hair

    Hair that is fragile and breaks easily. It may appear thinner also. 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.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Broad Eyebrow

    Eyebrows with an increased height, compared to the average or norm. It can be medial, lateral or whole. This makes them appear broader, and fatter. Very often broad eyebrows are not cause for concern, and are a normal feature. However in some instances, and when accompanied by other unique facial characteristics, they may be a symptom of a rare disease.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Broad Face

    A broad face is objectively measured as one with a width between the upper (bizygomatic) and lower (bigonial) parts larger than 2 standard measurements above the mean. Subjectively it may be measured by a noticeable wider appearance when compared to others.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Broad Forehead

    A broad forehead is one with a wider distance between the two sides of the head. This can also be described as when the distance between the two front temporales is more than two standard deviations above the norm.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Broad Nasal Tip

    It is a tip of the nose that is wider than normal. This usually will be obvious when looking at a face with this feature. There is currently no objective measurement of a broad nasal tip. 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 nose is a part of the respiratory system of the body, a system which includes the lungs and airways to.The respiratory system is what makes it possible for the body to inhale and exhale air to breathe. The nose is also a sensory organ. It is responsible for the body’s sense of smell. Sometimes symptoms affecting the nose can be seen with the eye. Although diagnosing a nose related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the nose may affect its structure, shape and/ or function. Some features will affect just the appearance of the nose while others may affect its ability to smell, and it’s ability to function properly as a part of the respiratory system.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Broad Neck

    A broad neck is one that displays an increased size when measured around its width, ie, its circumference. In some instances this may be merely a cosmetic issue, but in others a significantly wider neck may be the symptom of a rare disease.

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