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

    Dandy-Walker malformation

    Dandy-Walker malformation is a congenital brain condition. It occurs when the two hemispheres of the cerebellum of the brain do not form properly. This leads to an increase in cerebrospinal fluid between the fourth ventricle and cerebellum of the brain, which in turn leads these areas to be enlarged. This in turn can then cause hydrocephalus, or an excess of fluid on the brain, generally in the first year of life. Symptoms of this include an increased head size, vomiting and extreme sleepiness. Treatment for Dandy-Walker malformation involves a cerebral shunt to drain the excess fluid. Dandy-Walker can cause issues with movement, coordination, intellectual ability, and other neurological skills.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Deep Palmar Crease

    It is a deep line in the palm, often referred to also as a deep palm crease. For a diagnosis of this symptom, generally the palm line or crease must be identified as excessively deep. It is more often than not the symptom of a rare disease or genetic syndrome.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Deep Philtrum/Long Philtrum

    The philtrum is the groove found between the nose and the upper lip. A deep or long philtrum is one that is more depressed or longer than normal. The average philtrum length may vary between males and females, with an average length of between 11 and 15 mm. Anything longer than 13mm in a female, and 15mm in a male would be considered longer than the average. A deep or long philtrum is often identified as one symptom or unique facial feature of a genetic syndrome.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Deep-set Eyes

    Eyes that are positioned further or deeper into the face than is typical. The eye is recessed in comparison to the overall line of the face. There is no standard measurement for this and a diagnosis depends on the experience of the medical professional observing the feature.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Deeply Set Eye

    It is an eye which is deeply recessed or sunken into the face than is typical or considered normal. There is no objective measurement of this symptom. 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 eye is a part of the ocular and vision systems of the body. The ocular system includes the eye and its central vision system (cornea, lens, eye fluids), all of the parts which make vision possible. Symptoms affecting the eyes 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 eyes may affect their structure and function including their ability to see, other times they may simply affect the shape or appearance of the eye without any impact on vision.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Deformed Rib Cage

    This refers to any deformed, malformed or uneven rib cage. This can be caused by trauma to the rib cage, a congenital or birth defect, or some other cause. It essentially refers to a rib cage that is not symmetrical, and the two sides are uneven. This can cause issues with breathing, and posture, depending on the extent of the deformity. In some cases, an uneven rib cage may be resolved with specific breathing techniques, and/or exercises. In other instances surgery may be necessary to correct it, depending on the extent of the deformity, and the impact it has on the life of an individual.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Delayed Puberty

    Delayed puberty means that an individual, male or female, does not show any of the physical or hormonal signs of puberty by the age at which they would be expected to do so, according to their age and sex. Puberty happens within a range of ages, according to the sex of an individual. Generally this means that a male will be considered to have delayed puberty if he shows none of the signs of it by the age of 14. By some definitions this would mean no enlargement of the testicles by this age. For a female, the lack of breast growth by the age of 13, or no start of their menstrual cycle by the age of 16, would be considered delayed puberty.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Delayed Speech and Language Development

    Delayed speech and language development (speech delay) is diagnosed when a child displays a level of speech and language development that is below the norm expected for their age. A speech delay involves the words a child can speak and use. It does not connect to their ability to comprehend or communicate nonverbally. A language delay may include issues with comprehending and putting words together to form sentences. Some speech delay is not uncommon before the age of 3 years old. But by the age of 3, a child not meeting particular language and speech milestones may be referred for further assessment.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Depressed Nasal Bridge (depressed bridge of nose)

    A depressed nasal bridge means the nasal bridge (the bony part at the top of your nose and below the forehead) has not developed as much as it should have creating a flat area. A depressed nasal bridge or flat nose may be the result of trauma, infection, congenital anomalies or a genetic syndrome.

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