Thyroid disease affects 12 percent of the U.S. population during their lifetime, including children and newborns. When diagnosed, it can affect us at any age and any stage in our life. In this article on kidsrush.com, we will tell you about hypothyroidism in children: causes, symptoms, and treatment. Let’s start!
The causes of hypothyroidism in children
A family history of hypothyroidism is the main cause of hypothyroidism in children. Children whose parents, grandparents, or siblings have the disease are more vulnerable to it. This also applies to other immune diseases that can adversely affect the thyroid.
A thyroid condition, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, that affects more girls than boys is autoimmune.
Among the other reasons why children are hypothyroid include:
- iodine levels are too low
- in a child’s diet
- being born without a functioning thyroid or
- Congenital hypothyroidism is the absence of the thyroid gland from birth.
- The ineffective treatment of a mother’s thyroid condition
- during pregnancy
- Pituitary glands that don’t work properly
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in children?
Newborns
The symptoms of hypothyroidism differ according to an individual’s age. In newborns, symptoms may occur during the first few weeks or months following birth. The symptoms are tinier and may go unnoticed by parents and doctors.
- An illness that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow
- constipation
- cold skin
- poor feeding
- decreased crying
- loud breathing
- sleep more often/decreased activity
- a large area of soft tissue on the head
- a large tongue
Kindergarteners and Toddlers
There are varying degrees of thyroid conditions in young children. In young children, hypothyroidism manifests as:
- height is shorter than average
- limbs shorter than average
- permanent teeth that come in later
- puberty that occurs later
- development of the brain is slowed
- the heartbeat that’s slower than average
- brittle hair
- A puffy appearance may occur on the face
These symptoms occur most commonly in adults with thyroid disorders.
- tiredness
- constipation
- dry skin
Teens
A high risk of developing thyroid disease in adolescents is associated with a family history of autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, or type 1 diabetes. The risk of thyroid disease is also increased in children with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome.
Teens experience symptoms that are common in adults but are broader. They may display some of the following physical manifestations:
- weight gain
- slowed growth
- Having a shorter stature
- look younger than their actual age
- breast development slowed
- later start to the period
- Heavily or irregularly bleeding during menstruation
- the size of the testicles increases in boys
- delayed puberty
- dry skin
- the hair and nails are brittle
- constipation
- The patient’s face is puffy, voice is hoarse, the thyroid gland has grown large
- gland
- pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints
The following symptoms are frequently present in teenagers with hypothyroidism:
- tiredness
- Feeling depressed or having behavioral problems
- forgetfulness
- Having difficulties with school performance
- depressed mood
- trouble concentrating
How to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism in children
Diagnosis
A physical examination and diagnostic testing can typically confirm the diagnosis. Based on your child’s age and other factors, your doctor will decide on the most effective way to diagnose your child.
Congenital hypothyroidism is characterized by a lack of thyroid cells, a weakness in the muscles, and loss of the ability to retain body heat. About one in four babies is not adequately developed in this area which causes the condition. [1]
Goiters, or enlargements of the thyroid gland, can lead to breathing and swallowing problems in children. Your child’s doctor will give a physical exam to look for the problem in their neck.
Treatment
A hypothyroid child typically needs thyroid hormone therapy to control their conditions. The dosage of levothyroxine (Synthroid) that they need will be determined by the doctor and will depend on many factors including their age, gender, and height.
When thyroid disease is diagnosed in a newborn, it is less likely to cause nervous system problems or developmental delays if treatment occurs within the first month of life. As doctors screen babies as early as four weeks of life, these problems are normally prevented.
The Bottom Line
Hypothyroidism is an easily treatable condition, and young children are usually able to lead a normal life. The treatment is life-long, but the child will lead a normal life as a result.
Sources
[1]. Congenital hypothyroidism by Maynika V Rastogi and Stephen H LaFranchi
[2]. Hashimoto’s disease – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic