|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Hypothyroid Symptoms in Children

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications such as anemia and heart failure. Treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking thyroid hormone medications.

  1. Early Symptoms

    • Infants who have hypothyroidism may have jaundice. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the eyes and skin. Infants with hypothyroidism may have a poor appetite and suffer from chronic constipation. In addition, an infant who has hypothyroidism may have a hoarse-sounding cry. These infants may also have an umbilica hernia which causes the navel to stick out. Bone growth may be especially slow as well.

    Childhood Symptoms

    • Children who continue to have undiagnosed hypothyroidism will usually display slow growth as compared to peers. Also, their arms and legs may be short in proportion to the rest of their body. They may not develop teeth when expected. Also, children with hypothyroidism may feel tired often, they may feel colder than others around them and they may have problems with constipation. Sometimes, hypothyroidism may cause the the thyroid gland to swell and result in a noticeable lump.

    Adolescent Symptoms

    • As children grow into adolescents and teens, symptoms of hypothyroidism increase. Symptoms may include continued slow overall growth, hoarse-sounding voice, slow speech ability, late puberty, swollen face, eyelids that droop, hair loss, extremely dry skin, obesity and unusually slow pulse.

    Diagnosis

    • Parents who suspect their child is having symptoms of hypothyroidism should take her to a pediatrician. The doctor will check to see if the thyroid gland is swollen and also the doctor will run tests on the child's blood to look for indicators of hypothyroidism. The doctor may also send the child for a thyroid scan to look for abnormalities in the gland.

    Treatment

    • Hypothyroidism is easily treated with prescription hormone replacement medications. Most children will need to take the thyroid hormone medication for the duration of their lives, but sometimes children do outgrow the condition. Medication will stop the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Often children with stunted growth will catch up with their peers if treatment is started early.

Childrens Health - Related Articles