Thyroid problems are often seen mostly in adults, but thyroid disease is one of the most common endocrine disorders in school children. According to one study, about 37 out of 1,000 children have thyroid disease. Thyroid hormone is necessary for every cell in the body to function properly.
Thyroid disorders, according to Pediatrics, can affect a child’s health and body in many different ways. Depending on the type of thyroid disorders in children, different symptoms are seen. Today, through this article, you will learn about the symptoms, causes and some common thyroid problems in babies, as well as the treatment and preventive measures for thyroid problems in children.
Thyroid Disorders Symptoms, Causes of Thyroid Issues, Treatment Options, Thyroid Health
Thyroid is one of the major endocrine glands found in the human body, which appears in the shape of a butterfly. That is why it is also called Butterfly Gland. This gland works to control many metabolic processes in the body. Thyroid acts like a thermostat. The biggest job of thyroid is to develop all the parts of the body properly. For the proper development of the body, the thyroid gland produces a hormone called thyroxine. Thyroid problems affect children in many ways, due to which problems can arise in their full development.
Hypothyroidism in Children
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism, among other bodily functions. When the body does not get enough hormones, the functioning of the body slows down, which can lead to many symptoms in children.
Since the thyroid acts like a thermostat. That is, in the condition of hypothyroidism, when the production of thyroid hormone is less, then the body temperature decreases. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants and children include:
• Constipation
• Dry Skin
• Oversleeping or Being Lethargic
• Feeling Tired and Lacking in energy
• Cold Skin in Babies or Feeling Cold in Babies
• Gaining Weight
• Hair Loss
• Irregular Menstruation Problem in Girls
• Poor Memory or Trouble Concentrating
• Short Stature or Stunted Growth
• Delayed Puberty or Delayed Puberty
Hypothyroidism Causes in Children
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not send enough hormones to the body. The problem of hypothyroidism can be congenital, that is, children suffer from this problem since birth. Apart from this, the problem of hypothyroidism can arise in children in adolescence or at any time.
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Other Common Causes of Hypothyroidism in Children Include:
• The child is not getting enough iodine through the diet
• Being born with a non-functioning thyroid or without a thyroid gland
• Inability to properly treat the mother’s thyroid disease during pregnancy, etc.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Children
In hypothyroidism, due to the thermostat property of the thyroid gland, when there is excess production of thyroid hormone, the body temperature rises. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are collectively called thyrotoxicosis. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children include:
• Emotional Lability, Crying Easily, Irritability or Excitability
• Not Being able to Concentrate on any Task for a Long Time
• Diarrhea
• Getting Hotter than Others
• Blinking frequently in an abnormal manner
• Increased Appetite
• Irregular Menstrual Cycle in Girls
• Muscle Weakness
• Excessive Sweating
• Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland (Goiter) etc.
Thyroid Disorders Complication in Kids
If thyroid disease in infants or children is not treated on time, it can lead to a variety of developmental problems. Apart from this, this problem can also cause thyroid cancer in some children.
Complications of thyroid disorders in Children Include:
1. Slow Growth –
If thyroid problems are not treated before adolescence, children with thyroid disorders may not attain proper height.
2. Delayed Puberty –
Puberty may be delayed with slower development of sexual characteristics in boys and girls.
3. Fertility Problems –
Boys and girls who have thyroid disorders may face fertility problems like infertility in later life. Apart from this, women who become pregnant can also experience many complications during pregnancy and delivery.
4. Heart Problems –
Thyroid problems in children, if not diagnosed and treated on time, can lead to problems like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and heart failure at any stage of life.
5. Thyroid Cancer –
In case of untreated thyroid disorders, there is a high risk of eventual thyroid cancer.
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Thyroid Diseases : Kids Treatment
Doctors may use daily thyroid hormone therapy to treat hypothyroidism, usually with a drug called levothyroxine (Synthroid). The dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor depending on the age of the child and other factors.
The treatment process for hyperthyroidism focuses on reducing thyroid hormone levels.
Treatment procedures for hyperthyroidism may include the following:
• Anti-thyroid Drugs
• Radioactive Iodine
• Beta Blockers Drugs
• Surgery, etc.
I hope this article will help you to aware about yourself and your children health. How did you like this article on Thyroid & Hypothyroid : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment in Children, Tell us by commenting and Share it with your friends and family.
