Hypothyroidism in children, what are their characteristics

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in children. Hypothyroidism in children occurs due to underactive thyroid gland activity and does not produce enough hormones to meet needs. The function of the thyroid gland is very important because it affects the development of the brain and body. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disabilities and growth failure in children.

Actually what , anyway, the thyroid?

Before discussing more about hypothyroidism, let's discuss what the thyroid gland is. The thyroid gland is a gland that looks like a butterfly and is located in the neck. These glands produce hormones called thyroid hormones.

Some of the roles of the thyroid hormone include regulating the body's metabolism, controlling the heart rate, controlling body weight, and regulating body temperature. If the thyroid hormone production is lacking, your child has a hypothyroid condition.

Causes of hypothyroidism in children

Having a family history of hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism in children later. Children who have parents, grandparents, or siblings who have hypothyroid conditions are at a higher risk.

Other causes of hypothyroidism in children include lack of iodine intake, previous radiation therapy, thyroid gland surgery, consumption of certain drugs (for example Lithium), and a history of poorly controlled maternal medication during pregnancy. In addition, autoimmune diseases can also be one of the causes of hypothyroidism.

Characteristics of hypothyroidism in children

Hypothyroidism in children is divided into two, namely congenital hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism that is suffered from birth) and hypothyroidism that is acquired when the baby grows up.

In newborns up to 8 weeks of age, the complaints are not specific. In children with congenital hypothyroidism, the following characteristics can be found:

• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Constipation (difficult bowel movements).
• Do not want to eat or drink breast milk.
• Feeling cold or shivering.
• Cry rarely.
• A hoarse crying voice.
• Being less active and falling asleep more often.
• It has a large, wide crown and a large tongue.

In a child with acquired hypothyroidism, here are its characteristics.

• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Neck and face look swollen. The child becomes difficult to swallow, the voice becomes hoarse, and feels a lump in his neck.
• Stunted child growth. The child is getting shorter than he should be.
• Less active.
• Dry skin.
• Experiencing sleep disturbances to cause obstructive sleep apnea (breath stops while sleeping).
• Not resistant to cold.
• Hair and nails become brittle.
• Slow heart rate.
• Puberty becomes late. In girls, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular.
• Late mental development.

What to do if your child has hypothyroidism?

You must immediately take the treatment recommended by your doctor because hypothyroidism is closely related to the growth and development of children.

Usually the doctor will provide drugs or hormone replacement therapy (hormone replacement therapy). Through proper and regular treatment, it is hoped that children with hypothyroidism can live a normal life like children in general.