Thyroid Problems in Children - What Parents Need To Be Aware Of?
As a parent what do you need to be aware of about thyroid problems in children? The thyroid is a gland situated in the throat, and it has a butterfly shape.
This gland is responsible for the secretion of certain thyroid hormones which regulate the production of energy and the metabolism.
In children the hormones secreted by the thyroid are responsible for development and physical growth.
Any problem with the level of thyroid hormones being secreted can cause a number of different medical problems.
When too much of these hormones are produced then this is called hyperthyroidism, and when too little are made the condition is called hypothyroidism.
Either problem can be detected early with medical tests, and early detection and treatment is important for children to grow and develop normally.
There are different levels of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the specific amount of hormones being released.
Graves Disease is one of the most common thyroid problems in children, and it is caused by over stimulation of the thyroid gland so that too much of the hormones are released.
With this condition the hyperthyroidism is caused because the child's body produces certain antibodies which cause stimulation in the thyroid gland.
The symptoms that your child may experience can include a poor performance at school, restlessness, hyperactivity, an attention span which is short, an enlarged thyroid gland, weight loss, and a fast pulse.
Muscle weakness, diarrhea, an intolerance to heat, a number of sleep disorders, and behavioral problems are all also signs of hyperthyroidism or Graves Disease.
Thyroid problems in infants and children also include congenital hypothyroidism.
This occurs in 1 out of every four thousand births, and the cause is the thyroid gland in the infant not developing properly.
The thyroid gland may just be underdeveloped, or it may be missing completely in a condition called cretinism.
This type of problem will be apparent almost right away.
The baby will not feed well, and will have a body temperature which is low.
Constipation, a slow pulse rate, increased periods of sleep, less crying, and dry skin are other signs that a newborn may have this condition.
Thyroid problems can be treated in almost every case.
If the problem is too many hormones being produced by this gland there is medication which can suppress some of the hormone production and help lower the levels in your body.
If hypothyroidism is the issue needing treatment then hormone replacement therapy will usually be prescribed by the pediatrician.
Children with these problems may have difficulty gaining weight if the hormone level is high, even though they have a ravenous appetite frequently.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of either extreme can help you determine if there is something wrong that needs to be medically evaluated.
If a thyroid hormone condition is suspected then the doctor may want to do some blood tests to see the hormone levels in your child's blood.
Because this gland is crucial to the growth and development of your child you should discuss any concerns you have with their doctor right away.
This gland is responsible for the secretion of certain thyroid hormones which regulate the production of energy and the metabolism.
In children the hormones secreted by the thyroid are responsible for development and physical growth.
Any problem with the level of thyroid hormones being secreted can cause a number of different medical problems.
When too much of these hormones are produced then this is called hyperthyroidism, and when too little are made the condition is called hypothyroidism.
Either problem can be detected early with medical tests, and early detection and treatment is important for children to grow and develop normally.
There are different levels of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the specific amount of hormones being released.
Graves Disease is one of the most common thyroid problems in children, and it is caused by over stimulation of the thyroid gland so that too much of the hormones are released.
With this condition the hyperthyroidism is caused because the child's body produces certain antibodies which cause stimulation in the thyroid gland.
The symptoms that your child may experience can include a poor performance at school, restlessness, hyperactivity, an attention span which is short, an enlarged thyroid gland, weight loss, and a fast pulse.
Muscle weakness, diarrhea, an intolerance to heat, a number of sleep disorders, and behavioral problems are all also signs of hyperthyroidism or Graves Disease.
Thyroid problems in infants and children also include congenital hypothyroidism.
This occurs in 1 out of every four thousand births, and the cause is the thyroid gland in the infant not developing properly.
The thyroid gland may just be underdeveloped, or it may be missing completely in a condition called cretinism.
This type of problem will be apparent almost right away.
The baby will not feed well, and will have a body temperature which is low.
Constipation, a slow pulse rate, increased periods of sleep, less crying, and dry skin are other signs that a newborn may have this condition.
Thyroid problems can be treated in almost every case.
If the problem is too many hormones being produced by this gland there is medication which can suppress some of the hormone production and help lower the levels in your body.
If hypothyroidism is the issue needing treatment then hormone replacement therapy will usually be prescribed by the pediatrician.
Children with these problems may have difficulty gaining weight if the hormone level is high, even though they have a ravenous appetite frequently.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of either extreme can help you determine if there is something wrong that needs to be medically evaluated.
If a thyroid hormone condition is suspected then the doctor may want to do some blood tests to see the hormone levels in your child's blood.
Because this gland is crucial to the growth and development of your child you should discuss any concerns you have with their doctor right away.