Hypothyroidism in young children, the problems should not be ignored

Hypothyroidism in young children is not difficult to treat. However, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, children can face serious complications.

What should parents do if they have a child with hypothyroidism? The following article will help parents answer this question.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland that is unable to produce adequate amounts of the active hormones T3 and T4. This can occur at birth or occur as an acquired condition at any time in childhood or in adulthood. Hypothyroidism is a fairly common condition in about 1 in 1,250 babies. Usually, this condition requires lifelong treatment.

About the thyroid gland

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the center of the neck below the cartilage of the thyroid, responsible for the production of the hormones T3 and T4. This hormone secretion is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain through thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Hormones T3 and T4 have many important effects on a child's development as a child, including maintaining normal growth and bone formation. Thyroid hormones also play an important role in regulating metabolism.

What caused this situation?

The cause of hypothyroidism is from the thyroid itself or from the top of the pituitary. The thyroid gland can be damaged by an attack of direct antibodies (an autoimmune condition), radiation, or surgery. The pituitary gland can be damaged following either severe brain damage or secondary radiation damage.

In addition, certain drugs and chemicals can affect thyroid hormone production. For example, too much or too little iodine in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism in young children.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children

Some children have an increased risk of hypothyroidism with congenital syndromes, especially Down syndrome, with type 1 diabetes and those who have had radiation therapy for cancer. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in young children include:

Tired;

Weight gain;

Feeling cold;

Dry skin;

Hair loss ;

Constipation ;

Underdeveloped.

Early signs include fatigue and a goiter . In addition, children may also experience some symptoms such as behavior changes, impaired learning performance and persistent abdominal pain. The above signs will make it easier for parents to predict hypothyroidism if there is a family member who also has thyroid problems.

Lack of growth is also a sign of hypothyroidism in a young child, but it is usually not serious in children 1-2 years of age. However, the child's ability to develop body and fertility will also be affected more or less. In addition, children with hypothyroidism will enter puberty later and look younger than their actual age.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism in children

Your doctor will perform simple blood tests to diagnose hypothyroidism, including quantification of the hormones produced by the thyroid and pituitary glands, usually the free T4 hormone (with higher accuracy total amount of T4) and TSH. These tests are usually inexpensive and are widely available in medical settings.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed when the thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary is elevated (TSH) and the concentration of free T4 hormone (produced by the thyroid) is low. If TSH levels are insufficient, both hormones are low. The normal limits of free T4 hormones and TST are quite different in adults and children, so a diagnosis should be made after consultation with a pediatrician about endocrinology.

Treatment of hypothyroidism in children

Your doctor will prescribe the use of synthetic thyroid hormone Levothyroxine. This synthetic hormone is formulated into daily pills and usually takes a lifetime. It has very few side effects and, if any, is usually the result of an overdose.

We need to wait at least 6-8 weeks because the body takes time to adjust the levels of the new hormone. After that, the doctor will re-run the blood tests. If the drug is effective, blood tests reveal normal concentrations of TST and free T4.

You should contact your doctor if your child has problems such as difficulty sleeping or learning while studying. These may be signs that the current dose of thyroid hormone treated is too high.

Hormone replacement therapy is very effective and safe for hypothyroidism. Children only need to take regular pill once a day and go to regular medical check-ups to be able to live a healthy normal life.

Complications of hypothyroidism

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a multitude of health problems:

Cardiovascular disease: Hypothyroidism has been linked to a number of cardiovascular problems mainly due to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - a type of bad cholesterol. Even subclinical hypothyroidism, a mild form or early stage of hypothyroidism, can increase blood cholesterol and decrease the heart's ability to pump blood. In addition, hypothyroidism can lead to heart failure or enlarged heart;

Mental health: Depression can appear early in people with hypothyroidism and get worse over time. It also reduces the speed of functioning of the nervous system;

Infertility: low levels of hormones can interfere with ovulation, reducing fertility . Certain causes of hypothyroidism, such as an autoimmune disorder, also potentially increase this risk;

Birth defects: Babies with hypothyroidism that, if left untreated, are at an increased risk of developing physical and mental development problems. But if caught in the first few months, the chances of a child developing normally are great;

Goiter: The constant stimulation of the thyroid gland to secrete more hormones can cause the organ to become larger, called a goiter . Hashimoto 's thyroiditis is one of the leading causes of goiter. Although the disease is generally not serious, it can affect your appearance or have difficulty breathing and swallowing food.