What You Should Know About Thyroid Disease in Children

Thyroid disease in children is uncommon and is usually detected through screening tests. The most common thyroid problem identified at birth is congenital hypothyroidism. 1 After infancy, your child may not have thyroid tests unless you mention thyroid disease symptoms to his or her pediatrician or if your child has a family history of thyroid disease.

The most common thyroid disorders in children?

The most common thyroid disorders diagnosed in children are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, with hypothyroidism being the more common of the two. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone, whereas hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts. Both disorders can have serious consequences for children’s health and cause a variety of symptoms.

 What is Hypothyroid?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and unable to produce and deliver enough thyroid hormone to the body’s cells, causing the metabolism to slow. There are numerous signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism that parents should be aware of.

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children:

• Concentration issues and brain fog
• Sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Reduced growth rate
• Puberty is delayed.
• Depression
• Hair that is dry, coarse, and brittle, as well as hair loss
• Skin that is parched
• Fatigue
• Menstrual cycles that are irregular
• Pain and stiffness in the muscles
• Face puffiness
• gaining weight

How is hypothyroidism caused and treated?

Pediatric Hypothyroidism is typically treated with daily medication, such as levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormones). Given the significance of thyroid hormone in growth and development, the correct synthetic hormone dose is critical. Your child should be tested on a regular basis after treatment begins, as it is common for a higher dose to be required over time. How is hypothyroidism caused and treated?

What is Hyperthyroid?

The thyroid is overactive in hyperthyroidism, sending too much thyroid hormone to the body’s cells. As a result, the body’s metabolism increases. While there are some similarities between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the condition has some distinct symptoms.

The following are common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents:

• Rapid expansion
• Diarrhea
• Concentration problems
• Thyroid gland enlargement
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sensitivity to heat
• Appetite stimulation
• Muscle fatigue
• The hands tremble
• Loss of weight

How is hyperthyroidism caused and treated?

The most common cause of Pediatric Hyperthyroidism, like hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease. This disease causes the body to produce antibodies that cause the body to produce more thyroid hormone than it requires. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by thyroid gland inflammation and nodules.

Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include anti thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine ablation, and thyroid surgery. Anti thyroid medications are the most commonly used treatment for hyperthyroidism; however, if one treatment option fails, another may be considered.

Complications

Thyroid disease can cause developmental problems in children, especially if it is not treated. Children with noncancerous thyroid disease may also be at a higher risk of developing certain types of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid disease complications in children include:

• Slow expansion
• Myxedema
• Fertility issues
• Heart issues
• Cancer

If you have a child with thyroid disease, the complications can be frightening. While thyroid disease can be a lifelong condition, these complications can be avoided with proper treatment and consistent thyroid hormone management.

Because the thyroid gland is so important in a child’s growth and development, early detection and treatment are critical. Speak with your Pediatric Thyroid Doctor in Coimbatore if you suspect he or she has a thyroid disorder. Following a diagnosis, you will most likely be referred to an endocrinologist, who will collaborate with you and your child to develop a treatment plan and make any necessary treatment adjustments over time.
While thyroid disease is frequently a chronic medical condition, it is usually manageable with daily medication, allowing most people diagnosed with a thyroid disorder to live normal lives. For more information please visit:      The cprital time