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To learn more about possible causes, the health care provider will ask questions such as the following:
- Family history
- How tall are the parents? grandparents?
- How tall are the siblings (brothers or sisters)?
- Are there other relatives that are less than average height?
- Have any family members been diagnosed with a disorder associated with short stature (see the causes section of this document)?
- At what age did the parents start puberty?
- Child's history
- Has the child begun to show signs of puberty?
- At what age did puberty signs begin?
- Has the child always been on the small side of the growth charts?
- Was the child growing normally and then the rate of growth began to slow?
- What other symptoms are also present?
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The health care provider will perform a physical examination -- the height, weight, and arm and leg lengths will be measured in addition to a general physical examination. If the short stature appears to be a sign of some medical abnormality, further tests including laboratory studies and x-rays may be indicated.
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