Hypothyroidism in Children
Knowing What to Look for and How to Treat Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can affect one in 3,000 children born in the United States today. Do you know the warning signs?
Hypothyroidism normally manifests itself in women over the age of 50; why than discuss it in a forum meant for parents of young children? According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothyroidism can develop in anyone, including infants, children and teens.
What Is Your Thyroid Gland and What Does it Do?
The thyroid gland controls many of your body’s systems like a thermostat controls the environment of your home. It can affect heart rate, cholesterol levels, weight, vision, muscle strength, menstrual regularity, mental state and many more activities your body performs daily. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not functioning enough, as opposed to hyperthyroidism, which means it is over functioning. The thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple and when healthy, should not protrude. In older children, a goiter, or bulging may be present at the neck, just below the Adam’s Apple.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include having a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent with an autoimmune disease. The Mayo Clinic reports, “Approximately one in 3,000 babies in the United States are born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland at all.” Due to this, most all states now require newborn thyroid screening.
What Are the Symptoms?
Children under the age of 2 may be harder than others to diagnose with hypothyroidism, but parents may notice a flattening of your child’s growth – perhaps tapering off and nearly halting. Infants may experience trouble feeding, poor muscle tone and excessive sleepiness.
An improperly functioning thyroid in anyone of any age can be hard to detect at onset. Symptoms indicating hypothyroidism can range from:
- An increased sensitivity to cold
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- A hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Forgetfulness
- A puffy face
- Mood Swings
- Unexplained weight gain
- Decreased Appetite
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in joints
- Growth changes (mainly with height & growth)
- Depression
- Early or Late Sexual development
- Frequent choking
- A large, protruding tongue
- Yellowing of the skin & whites of eyes
- Delayed Development of permanent teeth
- Poor mental development
Treatment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis is relatively simple, requiring one blood test once hypothyroidism is suspected. On one end of the treatment spectrum, children suffering from hypothyroidism will be put on a synthetic thyroid treatment – taken in pill form, once daily. This medication will be taken for a lifetime. Regularly scheduled blood work will help the doctor guide the dosage of medication. This treatment is both inexpensive and virtually side effect free.
Hormone treatment for children who’ve fallen behind in growth will usually catch them right up with their peers. Should your child have hypothyroidism, don’t worry! Each child, properly diagnosed, should be able to lead a happy and normal life!
