Hypothyroid children can perform like a normal
child?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the
thyroid gland is underactive and produces an insufficient amount of thyroid
hormones. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder affecting
children. However, children with the disorder display different symptoms from
adults. Hypothyroidism in the new born, when left untreated, can lead to
intellectual disability and profound developmental delays.
What causes hypothyroidism:
The most
common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune reaction in which the body's
immune system slowly destroys the thyroid gland. This is known as
Hashimoto's thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis. Maternal antibodies produced
against a woman's thyroid, or treatment of a mother's thyroid disorder
such as iodine, can affect her unborn child's thyroid function.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism:
The
symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are different than in adults. The
following are the late symptoms of the disorder. However, each child may
experience symptoms differently, and often the symptoms are not seen at
all.Congenital hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk for
congenital abnormalities of the cardiovascular, genitourinary, and skeletal
systems. Jaundice yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, Poor
appetite, Slow bone growth, Slow growth, Delayed tooth development, Tiredness, Feeling
cold, Constipation, Slow growth, Delayed puberty, Hair loss, Dry
skin, Weight gain The symptoms of hypothyroidism may resemble other conditions
or medical problems. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis: Congenital present at birth
hypothyroidism is usually detected during the routine new born screening. In
older children, blood samples taken may reveal abnormally low levels
of T4 the main hormone released from the thyroid or abnormally high levels of
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), suggesting thyroid problems. Released
from the brain, TSH is the hormone that increases the size, number, and
activity of the thyroid cells. TSH also stimulates the release of hormones
that affect a person's metabolism and that are essential for normal growth and
development. Evaluation may include a scan of the thyroid gland to check for
abnormalities.
What is congenital
hypothyroidism:
Congenital
hypothyroidism (CH) means the disorder is present at birth. CH is one of the
most common and preventable causes of intellectual disability.
Treatment:
Specific
treatment for hypothyroidism will be determined by your child's doctor in
consultation with you. Considerations include your child's current and past
health status, age, medication tolerance, projected disease progression, and
your beliefs and attitudes about the treatment alternatives. Left untreated in new born, hypothyroidism can lead to
intellectual disability. Untreated hypothyroidism may also lead to anaemia, low
body temperature, and heart failure. The goal of treatment is to restore the
thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones. Treatment
may include prescription of thyroid hormones to replace the deficient hormones.
Some children will require hormone replacement
therapy for the rest of their lives, while others appear to outgrow the
disorder, often by the age of three. Regular monitoring of the child's thyroid
hormone levels during the course of treatment, including a one month discontinuation
of treatment after age three years to see how the thyroid responds, can help
your child's doctor diagnose your child's condition
more accurately.
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