The prevalence of hypothyroidism diseases is common in grown-ups, but kids too are equally prone to this hormonal issue. The endocrine disorder in fact can affect people of all age groups, including children and newborns.
Hypothyroidism is referred to as an endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland (the butterfly-shaped gland present at the lower neck) does not produce enough thyroid hormone required for the normal functioning of the body. A low amount of thyroid hormones in the blood may slow down a kid's growth rate and even lead to other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and cognitive delay.
What causes hypothyroidism in kids
Hypothyroidism is mostly caused in kids when someone in the family already suffers from this condition. Children with parents, grandparents and siblings suffering from endocrine disorders are more likely to develop this condition. The younger ones are either born with the endocrine disorder or develop later in childhood. In this condition, the thyroid does not produce and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. It slows down the metabolism and decreases the growth rate, leading to weight gain and making it difficult to tolerate cold weather.
Who is at greater risk?
Kids suffering from some particular conditions are at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism later in life. It includes conditions like:
A chromosomal disorder
An autoimmune disorder
Not enough or too much iodine intake
Injury to the thyroid gland
Radiation to the head and neck
Unmanaged thyroid disorder in mother during pregnancy
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in newborns
The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary in kids depending on their age. The signs are different in newborns than younger kids. In newborns, the signs appear a few weeks or months after their birth. The common signs include:
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Constipation
Low appetite
Cold skin
Less crying
Heavy breathing
Decreased activity
A large tongue
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in younger kids
In younger kids, signs of hypothyroidism are similar to grown-ups to some extent. There are:
Shorter than average height
Shorter than average limbs
Slow mental development
Brittle hair
Puffy face
Tiredness
Constipation
Dry skin
Treatment
The treatment method for hypothyroidism is different for newborns and younger kids. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may prescribe daily thyroid hormone therapy with medications. Remember that it is important to get proper treatment for hypothyroidism to manage the symptoms. Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to problems with the nervous system or developmental delays.
