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Warning-sign checks

Short stature: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for a severe sudden headache, loss of vision, confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, a seizure, or severe weakness.

    Short stature alone is not an emergency.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for short stature accompanied by persistent headaches, changes in vision, repeated vomiting, marked thirst and urination, or new weakness.

    These symptoms do not usually result from short stature, but they may point to an underlying condition.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if a child appears much shorter than peers, is below the lowest lines on a growth chart, or has not had height measured accurately over time.

The article also says

Assessment is also appropriate if the child:

Is dropping across height percentiles

Is growing much more slowly than before

Has poor weight gain or unexpected weight loss

Has ongoing digestive, breathing, kidney, joint, or fatigue symptoms

Shows no signs of puberty by the expected age range

Has body proportions or physical features that seem unusual

Was born small and has not shown expected catch-up growth

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Short stature. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.