Introduction:
Many children suffer from stunted growth, and the reason for short height is mainly the deficiency of growth hormones. Lack of growth hormones can be genetics, and sometimes secondary factors are involved as well. The only treatment in the conventional method is the introduction of growth hormones which cause lots of side effects and are very expensive. To avoid these problems, many parents go for alternative treatments like homeopathy. Homeopathy has lots of scopes to treat dwarfism in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are always beneficial and effective.
What Is Stunted Growth?
Stunted growth is basically delayed growth in children when they are growing at their normal age. Such delay may be due to genetics, deficiency of growth hormones in children, hypothyroidism, or other genetic conditions. In such cases, early diagnosis is very important because early treatment can help a child to attain normal height and weight. When a child is too young or looks smaller than age, then most likely the problem is with the growth hormones.
What Are the Symptoms of Delayed Growth?
Symptoms of delayed growth in children vary and are based on the cause. Some common symptoms and causes of stunted growth in children are;
Hypothyroidism:
If the child has a low level of thyroid, they may suffer from symptoms like constipation, dryness of skin and hair, lack of energy, and feeling cold most of the time. The thyroid hormone is usually responsible for releasing hormones that promote normal growth in children. Hence underactive thyroid leads to delayed body growth.
Deficiency of Growth Hormone:
If the child has a deficiency of growth hormone, then symptoms like general delay in body growth occur where they look younger than their age. Reduction in bone strength is commonly seen; hence children lack stamina and develop weakness and emaciation. They are prone to more bone fractures. Normally growth hormone (GH) promotes the growth of body tissues and is necessary to keep the body proportionate. GH is usually produced by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the skull. Lack of GH can also affect the mental ability of a child. The child may develop mental weakness, forgetfulness, weak memory, insomnia, etc.
Nutritional Problems:
If the growth is delayed due to nutritional problems caused by stomach or bowel diseases, then symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen are seen. Sometimes the cause is genetics, where dwarfism is seen in children. The size of the arms and other body parts is not in proportion with the torso.
What Genetic Conditions Can Result in Delayed Growth?
Turner syndrome is one of the genetic conditions where the body produces a normal amount of produced growth hormone, but for some reason, the body does not make use of it, and it is mainly due to the part of one X chromosome missing. This condition mainly affects females more than males.
Down syndrome is another genetic condition where the child has 47 chromosomes instead of 46, which causes and affects the growth of a child.
Other chronic diseases:
Chronic diseases like kidney problems, liver diseases, or autoimmune diseases can cause stunted growth in children.
What Is the Treatment for Delayed Growth?
Once the proper diagnosis is made, the child is started with the treatment. In most cases, a deficiency of growth hormones is seen; hence the efficient treatment is to introduce the growth hormones in the body. It is given by injection once a week until the child has an adequate amount of growth hormone in the body and proportionate growth is seen. Such treatment is likely to go on for several years. Doctors have to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and, if required, need to adjust the dosage. Growth hormone injections are usually expensive, and they become less affordable to poor-class people; hence they tend to stop the treatment in the middle.
What Is the Scope of Homeopathy?
Homeopathy has a good scope in treating developmental problems as there are little or no side effects of the medicines, and it is well suited to children and is cost-effective. Homeopathic remedies best act when prescribed after taking a complete detailed history of a child and after proper analysis of the disease by understanding the cause of the problem.
What Are Some Common Remedies?
Some of the common remedies are listed below; however, it is advised to consult a homeopath before self-prescribing any homeopathic remedy.
1) Baryta Carbonica - This is one of the well-indicated remedies for dwarfishness, where children are both physically and mentally dwarfed. Such children are prone to bleeding and produce suppuration after every injury. Children tend to feel or catch a cold very easily, have offensive foot sweat, and always feel very weak; hence they have to either sit down or lie down all the time. Baryta Carbonica 30 C one dose every day can be taken.
2) Thyroidinum - This remedy is indicated in children who suffer from hypothyroidism leading to stunted body growth. This remedy regulates the body temperature, provides nutrition to the body, and promotes body growth. This remedy can be taken in 6X potency once a day for 15 days.
3) Adrenalin - Adrenalin is a chemical messenger in the regulation of the body's activities and is essential to the activity of the sympathetic nerve. The homeopathic use of this remedy basically stimulates the thyroid gland to function properly and promotes the production of growth hormones. Thus, this remedy helps to gain the development of the body. Adrenalin 6x can be taken once a day for 15 days.
4) Calcarea Phoshoricum - This remedy mainly acts on the development of bones and muscles. This is a well-indicated remedy for children who are emaciated, slow in learning to walk and stand, and unable to support their bodies. This remedy promotes the growth of muscles and bone during the growing period. Calcarea Phoshorica 6x can be taken once a day for 15 days.
5) Silicea - This remedy is well suited for children who are very obstinate, unable to read, write and slow in learning to walk. Silicea 30 C can be given once a day.
Conclusion:
Along with homeopathic treatment, it is essential to follow the proper nutritious diet as that helps and enhances the action of homeopathic remedies. Nutritious food would help a child to develop strength and prevent any nutritional deficiencies. It is advised to consult a homeopath either online or in-person for proper treatment.
