Underactive Thyroid in Children

Hypothyroidism is a disease that most people associate with adults, but the truth is, it can also affect infants and young children. Hypothyroidism is easy to manage once diagnosed. However, children who have the disease and are not treated properly are at high risk for mental retardation. Parents should be aware of the symptoms and tell a pediatrician immediately if they suspect an underactive thyroid.

Types

• There are three types of hypothyroidism in children. A baby can be born with an underactive thyroid, which is the congenital type. There is also a transient, or temporary, hypothyroidism. Finally, some children exhibit acquired hypothyroidism.

Causes

• Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when the baby's thyroid gland does not develop properly. Transient hypothyroidism often occurs if the mother takes thyroid medication during pregnancy. Acquired hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune diseases and usually develops in older children and teens.

Signs & Symptoms

• Children with hypothyroidism will often have a puffy face and swollen tongue. They may put on weight, but not grow taller. They may also have low muscle tone, cold hands and feet, exhaustion, a herniated belly button and jaundice.

Diagnosis

• Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a simple blood test. All infants are tested for congenital hypothyroidism at birth. If a parent suspects the disease in an older child, a pediatrician can draw blood and send it to the lab to check thyroid hormone levels.

Treatments

• Hypothyroidism in children and adults is treated the same way. Patients take hormone replacement thyroid medication to replace hormones that the underactive thyroid does not make on its own. Once thyroid hormones reach a normal level, symptoms of the disease should fade.