Experts say about growth diseases when the height and size of a child’s body deviate from the average values accepted for a given age. Any deviation of growth from normal values can lead to serious pathological processes throughout the body. At the same time, the patient cannot lead a full-fledged lifestyle, experiences psychological discomfort. As a rule, growth disease is hereditary or congenital in nature.
Gigantism
Growth hormone is a substance that is necessary for the normal development of any human body. If this hormone is produced in excess, gigantism is manifested. Pathology begins its development in childhood, when the process of ossification of the skeleton is not completed. Most often, the disease develops in boys. The first signs of an ailment can be seen as early as 9-13 years.
With gigantism, growth hormone is produced in large quantities. This becomes visible to the naked eye. By 13-14 years, the patient’s growth can reach two meters. The frequency of gigantism reaches two to three cases per thousand of the population.
The development of growth disease can be prevented if hormone therapy is started on time. Sex hormones are used to quickly close growth zones. Additionally, radiation therapy can be performed. With timely treatment, the prognosis for life is usually favorable. However, statistics show that such patients are in most cases infertile. Many of them do not live to old age due to developing complications.
Hypotheriosis
The pathological process is due to a decrease in thyroid function. As a result, the body begins to produce in insufficient quantities the hormones necessary for normal human life. In addition, the activity of hormones at the cellular level is reduced. Against the background of hypothyroidism, bone growth disease can also develop.
The disease can be congenital or acquired. However, in 99% of cases, the disease develops against the background of certain adverse factors. Most often, this is damage to the thyroid parenchyma as a result of injuries or infections. At the same time, unpleasant changes in the body are not immediately noticeable. It may take several years before the patient is diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
An acute deficiency of iodine in food and water can lead to the development of thyroid diseases, as well as to developmental delays in children. Patients with such a disease have a growth below average, they quickly become tired, cannot fully solve everyday tasks. Complaints can be observed on the part of several body systems at once. In this regard, in many cases, the initial diagnosis is made incorrectly.
Thanks to the achievements of modern pharmacology, children with hypothyroidism can have high growth. Proper replacement therapy allows you to normalize the hormonal background, return the patient to good health.
Crohn's disease
A fairly rare disease is associated with inflammation of certain parts of the digestive tract. The pathological process has a chronic course. It is also attributed to growth diseases. The mucous membrane is affected in any areas. If unpleasant symptoms appear in childhood, the patient begins to significantly lose weight, lags behind in development from his peers.
The first signs of a pathological process can occur during puberty in boys and girls. Genetic predisposition matters. If close relatives suffered from unpleasant symptoms, the likelihood of encountering the disease increases significantly.
Growth disease does not appear immediately. Initially, the patient is concerned about intestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or constipation. Gradually, a decrease in appetite. At this stage, the person is already starting to lose weight. If the disease begins its development in childhood, the patient stops growing.
Pituitary dwarfism
If we consider growth diseases, dwarfism is remembered first. This is a delay in physical development. The pathological process is caused by insufficient production of growth hormone in the human body. Statistics indicate that this is an extremely rare disease. Pathology can occur in one child per 10 thousand.
Various adverse factors can trigger a growth disease. These are birth defects, head injuries in infancy. The disease can also be acquired as a result of dangerous infectious ailments suffered by radiation or chemotherapy. However, in more than 50% of cases, the cause of stunting remains unknown.
Unfortunately, pathology cannot be completely cured. However, such patients are registered with the endocrinologist, periodically undergo hormonal therapy.
Summarize
Growth hormone is the most important substance in the human body. Too tall people and dwarfs are more likely to encounter chronic diseases of the internal organs. As a rule, such patients have a shorter life span. Timely diagnosis and proper therapy can reduce the risk of complications.