What is it?

Short stature refers to people, usually children, whose height is below average. Constitutional growth delay is one of the more common causes for short stature which means that the child will develop and grow later in life- after their peers have stopped and usually catch up by adulthood. If one or both parents are short, the child will possibly also be short, with no underlying cause for short stature. Some diseases and conditions may also cause short stature. Endocrine diseases, such as growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease may cause short stature. Other chronic conditions including heart disease, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, kidney problems, sickle cell anemia may cause short stature.
Genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, Turner and Williams can also cause short stature. Bone and skeletal diseases, like rickets or achondroplasia may also change stature.