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

    Cerebral Atrophy

    Cerebral atrophy refers to a wasting away or loss of brain cells over time. This wasting away over the brain cells may occur in just one part of the brain, or the entire brain as a whole. It leads to reduced brain mass and size, and also a loss of neurological function. This means a loss of brain function which may affect the life of an affected individual, according to the part of the brain that has atrophied. With old age, some cerebral atrophy or brain wasting is expected. Cerebral atrophy is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. However in younger individuals it may be the result of a rare disease, or inherited disorder.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Cerebral Palsy

    Cerebral palsy affects the movement and posture of an affected individual. It is referred to as a permanent disorder, meaning it can not be treated per se. It can cause movement and activity limitations in affected individuals. It is caused by non progressive disturbances in the developing brains of a fetus or infant. While specifically a motor disorder, affecting the motor functions of the body, it can also include issues with sensation and touch, perception and depth awareness, cognitive issues, issues with communication, unusual or behaviors that are not considered normality, and epilepsy. It is a serious and complicated disorder.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Chronic Otitis Media

    Recurrent and frequent infections of the middle ear. It may also include chronic fluid and swelling as well as infection. By definition it does not heal and could cause permanent damage to the ear. 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

    Cleft of Chin

    Cleft of chin refers to a developmental or growth defect which causes the chin to not fuse together properly. This then creates a cleft, line or fissure as it may be referred to through the middle or midline of the chin. Generally cleft of the chin occurs before birth, and as the fetus is developing, the two parts of the chin fail to fuse together.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip

    A cleft palate is a split in the roof of the mouth. A cleft lip is when a slit occurs on the upper lip. A cleft palate/lip is one of the most common birth defects. They occur in utero when the palate or lip of the developing fetus fails to fuse together as they should. There are several causes of a cleft palate/lip: including family history, genetic syndrome, and exposure to alcohol or other toxic substances through the mother in utero. Other factors related to the health of the mother, including obesity and diabetes, are believed to be possible causes as well although research into these factors is ongoing.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Clinodactyly

    It is a congenital condition, and one an affected individual is born with. It usually occurs on one hand, rather than both. It is the permanent curving or bending of a digit, either a finger or a toe. The exact joint which bends is known as the interphalangeal joint. This usually happens with the 5th digit (the little finger/toe), and it curves into the 4th finger or toe.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Clinodactyly of the 5th finger

    It is the bending of the 5th finger of the hand towards the 4th finger. Minor curvature of the 5th finger is not defined as clinodactyly. It is usually given by an abnormal shape of the 3rd digit or phalange. 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

    Clubbing of Toes

    Clubbing of the toes refers to a broadening of the toes. This can look like enlarged tips of the toes, sometimes with a redness or warmth as well. It can also affect the nails of the toes which may start to curve downward, or create a softening of the nail beds. It is usually most noticeable in the largest toe. It is also usually accompanied by a clubbing of the fingers as well. Clubbing of the toes may be caused by a number of factors including but not limited to, celiac disease, cirrhosis of the liver or other liver diseases, dysentery, Graves disease, an overactive thyroid gland, or even by specific types of cancer including liver, gastrointestinal, and Hodgkin lymphoma.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Coarse Facies

    Coarse facial features refers to the lack of definition of the main features of the face: the brows, nose, lips, mouth, and chin. The features are not clearly defined. Instead they are rounded and heavy in the face.

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Showing 46 to 54 of 254 results