Hypothyroidism in children results from insufficient thyroid hormone in the blood. The thyroid gland, which makes the thyroid hormones, is considered under active, since it produces too little thyroid hormone necessary for the body's metabolism to work normally.

How Common Is Hypothyroidism In Children?

Hypothyroidism in children and infants is uncommon as compared to adults. Roughly one in 4000 infants could have this problematic disorder. It is unusual, but if it occurs, it poses a serious threat to mental and physical development of a child. Hypothyroidism can affect both; newborns and adulescents as well.

What Are The Signs or symptoms Of Hypothyroidism In Children?

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are tiredness, dry skin, constipation, slow growth, and delayed pubertal development. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss, a rapid or uneven heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, and irritability. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are similar to the signs experienced by adults. Then again signs in children could also include poor growth, poor muscle tone, delayed mental development and delayed onset of puberty. Children with hypothyroidism often appear much younger than they are. They usually experience tiredness, dry skin and constipation. Hyperthyroidism can produce unpredicted weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, and irritability. Obesity, late late puberty, hoarse voice, slow speech and dry and pale skin are signs of hypothyroidism in teenagers and adolescents.

The main symptom of hypothyroidism in infants is yellowing of skin or jaundice. Indicators of hypothyroidism in toddlers include tiredness, excessive drowsiness and stunted body growth and delayed growth of teeth. All babies are now screened for hypothyroidism in order to avoid retardation that will likely occur if the disorder is not found early. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children vary depending on when it first starts.

As infants commonly dont show any significant symptoms of thyroid disease, they might have it for months without any treatment, making those early tests very important. One technique of determining if the toddler has hypothyroidism is to x-ray their legs and knee region as the knee will be underdeveloped if hypothyroidism is present in the child. Taking a scan of the thyroid gland, in an child who displays symptoms of thyroid disease, could determine whether or not the gland is improperly located, abnormal, or even missing. Testing such as mentioned can be done before the baby is sent home.

Treatment Of Hypothyroidism In Children

Hypothyroidism could be treated before it develops into diabetes. One of the major treatments is basically altering lifestyle and habits. Eating a low carbohydrate, low-fat diet that is also high in protein can really help with the care of hypothyroidism. External vitamin supplements may be required if the situation is serious and has resulted tissue deconstruction. When treating hypothyroidism in children, an oral supplement will be given. This product should be a higher amount than that of grownup dose since children's metabolism is a lot quicker. The quantity will be monitored and adjusted as the child grows.

With early detection and proper treatment, a child with hypothyroidism can live a normal, healthy and active life.