Friday, February, 10, 2012

Short philtrum

Table of Contents

Home Care

There is usually no home care needed for a short philtrum. However, if this is only one symptom of another disorder, follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the condition.


Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if you notice a short philtrum on your child.


What to expect at your health care provider's office

An infant with a short philtrum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. The doctor will diagnose that condition based on a family history, medical history, and physical exam.

Medical history questions may include:

  • Did you notice this when the child was born?
  • Have any other family members had this feature?
  • Have any other family members been diagnosed with a disorder associated with a short philtrum?
  • What other symptoms are present?

Tests to diagnose a short philtrum:

  • Chromosome studies
  • Enzyme tests
  • Metabolic studies on both mother and infant
  • X-rays

If your health care provider diagnosed a short philtrum, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.


Review Date: 01/29/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)