Hypothyroidism in children – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Hypothyroidism in children, also called hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which can lead to a number of health problems.In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of the condition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for hypothyroidism in children.

Hypothyroidism in children – characteristics of the disease

Hypothyroidism in children is a condition in which the thyroid gland, a small gland located near the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones.These hormones are necessary for the proper functioning of the body, especially during the growth and development of children.Hypothyroidism can affect many aspects of a child’s life, including the developing brain, nervous system, muscles, and other organs and systems.

Hypothyroidism in children – causes

The causes of hypothyroidism in children can be various.One of the most common factors is autoimmune damage to the thyroid gland, which leads to improper production of hormones.Other possible causes are congenital thyroid defects, dietary iodine deficiency, and heredity.There are also other, less common causes, such as the effects of certain medications or diseases that negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism in children – symptoms

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children can vary and are not always easy to identify.These may include:

• Slowing down the rate of growth and development
• Problems with learning and concentration
• Excessive fatigue
• Delay in speech and movement skills
• Weight gain
• Dry and pale skin
• The hair becomes thin and brittle
• Reduced body temperature

Hypothyroidism in children – diagnosis.what should the tsh level be in children?

Diagnosing hypothyroidism in children is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.The basic test is to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.TSH reference values may vary depending on the child’s age, so it is important to interpret the results in the context of the patient’s age and development.An elevated TSH level may suggest hypothyroidism and further testing of thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) is necessary.

Hypothyroidism in children – treatment

Treatment of hypothyroidism in children involves supplying the body with the missing thyroid hormones using medications.The most commonly used drug is levothyroxine, which is a synthetic substitute for the T4 hormone.The dose of the drug is adjusted individually, monitoring the level of thyroid hormones and adjusting the therapy as needed.

In cases of congenital thyroid defects or other specific situations, surgical removal or repair of the thyroid gland may be necessary.However, most children with hypothyroidism can achieve normal development and quality of life with regular treatment and monitoring.

Your suggestions

If you suspect that your child may have hypothyroidism, be sure to consult a pediatrician or endocrinologist.Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to ensure the proper development and health of the child.

Recommended articles

To learn more about hypothyroidism in children, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Hypothyroidism in adults – causes, symptoms, treatment” – Link to the article
• “The impact of hypothyroidism on mental health” – Link to the article
• “Iodine in the diet – why is it important for the thyroid gland” – Link to the article

It is worth learning more about this topic to effectively take care of your child’s health and ensure the best possible quality of life.