A child presenting with failure to thrive might indicate which underlying issue?

Failure to thrive in a child typically indicates insufficient weight gain or growth compared to established standards. One of the underlying issues that can lead to failure to thrive is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause recurrent vomiting, feeding aversion, and discomfort during feedings, which may lead to inadequate intake of calories and nutrition, ultimately resulting in failure to thrive.

In infants and young children, GERD can be particularly problematic as it not only affects their ability to consume sufficient amounts of food but may also cause stress around feeding times, further exacerbating weight gain issues. When addressing failure to thrive, assessing for conditions like GERD is crucial, as addressing the underlying reflux can significantly improve feeding outcomes and growth metrics.

While allergies, autism spectrum disorder, and cognitive impairment can contribute to failures in growth or appetite in some contexts, GERD is a more direct and common cause specifically related to feeding difficulties that present as failure to thrive in young children.