What condition might cause a child to present with developmental delays and require reassessment?

Galactosaemia is a metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to process galactose, a sugar found in lactose. Infants with galactosaemia typically present with symptoms shortly after birth when they begin to consume milk. These symptoms can include poor feeding, vomiting, jaundice, and lethargy. Importantly, if left untreated, galactosaemia can lead to significant complications, including developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, due to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.

In cases of galactosaemia, early detection and intervention are crucial. Infants diagnosed with this condition need to adhere to a strict lactose-free diet to prevent long-term neurological damage and ensure proper developmental milestones are met. This emphasizes the need for ongoing reassessment of developmental progress in affected children, as timely dietary management can greatly improve their overall outcomes.

While asthma, eczema, and urticaria can affect a child's health, they do not typically lead to the same level of developmental delays associated with metabolic conditions like galactosaemia. Therefore, monitoring and reassessing children with a diagnosis of galactosaemia is a critical part of their management plan to ensure that any potential developmental issues are identified and addressed promptly.