While thyroid disease most often occurs during adulthood, it can also occur in infants, kids, and teenagers. Thyroid issues are commonly hereditary, so if you have a family history of these disorders, talk to your pediatrician about how often you should schedule screening tests for your kid. If you notice your child has indicators of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, consult your Humble diabetes and obesity specialist so that the cause can be identified and addressed. The doctor will likely order blood exams that include thyroid hormone levels:

1. Children with hypothyroidism may have low levels of free thyroxine (free T4) and high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
2. Children with hyperthyroidism often have elevated T4 and triiodothyronine (T3) levels and low TSH.

An overview of pediatric thyroid disorders

Under normal circumstances, the brain’s pituitary gland releases a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which carefully controls the quantity of thyroid hormone produced. The mechanism is constructed as a feedback loop in which the pituitary gland detects the quantity of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid and modifies the amount by producing more or less TSH.

Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) is an increased TSH and a low or sub-normal thyroid hormone level. Conversely, hyperthyroidism is defined as a low or suppressed TSH level along with an elevated thyroid hormone level (too much thyroid hormone).

Various types of pediatric thyroid disorders

The most common pediatric thyroid disorders are:

1. Congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth)

Congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth) arises when the thyroid gland fails to grow or function while the infant is still in the womb. Since it affects one out of every 3,000 newborns, it is something that all babies are examined for during regular newborn screening.

Most people have little or no indications because their thyroid hormone levels are slightly below normal. Infants with more severe variants frequently have a dull appearance, a bloated face, and a big projecting tongue.

2. Acquired hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)

Acquired hypothyroidism (also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) is a disorder that usually manifests itself in late childhood or early adolescence. The condition is believed to be caused by the body mistaking the thyroid for an invader. The immune system then targets the gland, as it would anything seen as a threat.

The period it takes to recover from thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy)

It will take a few weeks for your body to recuperate after surgically removing your thyroid (thyroidectomy). During this period, you should avoid immersing your incision in water, lifting anything more than 15 pounds, or doing anything more than gentle exercise. This usually lasts around two weeks. After that, you can continue your usual activities.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism in children and teenagers. This autoimmune disorder causes the body to create antibodies that target and kill the thyroid gland, causing it to produce insufficient thyroid hormone.

The good news is that thyroid issues are often treatable, typically with medicine. If your kid shows any or all of the symptoms, it is important to consult your child’s physician first to discuss testing for a problem. Call North Houston Diabetes Institute or book your appointment online to determine which thyroid disease therapies are best for your child.