Failure to thrive or growth failure is described in children whose growth has been observed to be low or decreased over time. The causes may be either organic for non- organic and may also be of prenatal or postnatal origin. Common symptoms of this condition include oedema, wasting, enlargement of liver, rash, changes in skin, hair color and mental status, and signs of vitamin deficiency. Children affected with growth failure require aggressive dietary management and regular, prolonged follow-up in order to observe their growth parameters using appropriate growth charts. The successful treatment of this condition requires coordinated efforts by medical personal from different fields which include pediatric, nutritional, mental health, and social work.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for failure to thrive in children is aimed at providing nutrition to children which can be easily digested and assimilated, as well as treating any known causes for the condition. Nutrition is provided in the form of extracts and solutions of glucose, electrolyte solutions, milk, buttermilk, granules of cereals and pulses, and solutions of fruits and vegetables. The diet of such children is planned according to the digestive capacity and capacity for oral intake of each individual person. Such solutions can also be given as a slow and continuous rectal drip.
Adequate treatment needs to be given for any known cause of the condition, and therefore treatment will differ considerably according to the cause. In addition, herbal immunomodulatory treatment can also be given to such children in order to provide long-lasting immunity to diseases. Medicines which act on the digestive system and on the liver are especially useful in the management of this condition. In addition, some children will benefit considerably from a complete body massage using medicated oils.
Depending upon the severity of the condition and the known cause, treatment for children with failure to thrive may be required for periods ranging from two to six months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management of failure to thrive in children.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
