Any imbalance in the thyroid gland may lead to many problems even in children, and in the following article we will learn about the most prominent symptoms of thyroid disorders in children. The thyroid gland plays an important role in the metabolism process in the body, and any defect in it leads to disorders in the body, either due to the failure of the gland to perform its work properly or to its overactivity.
These disorders may affect any individual of any age, even children and newborns. Here are the most important symptoms of thyroid disorders in children and newborns:
Symptoms of thyroid disorders in children
Symptoms of thyroid disorders in children vary according to the type of disorder as follows:
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is its inability to adequately produce thyroid hormone. Symptoms of thyroid disorders in children in this case can be explained as follows:
1. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children
Where the symptoms of thyroid gland differ from one child to another depending on the difference in age, and the following are the most important symptoms associated with hypothyroidism in children:
Shorter than average length.
The limbs are shorter than average.
Delayed development of permanent teeth.
Delayed puberty.
slow mental development
slow heart rate
Hair dryness and brittleness.
Swelling of facial features.
2. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in newborns
Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when a child is born with the inability to secrete sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. The following are the most prominent symptoms:
Lack of lactation.
excessive sleep
constipation.
Weak crying.
yellowing of the skin
The doctor may notice other signs, such as
facial swelling
muscle weakness
Tongue enlarged.
Flatulence.
The fontanel is larger than normal.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism)
This condition occurs when the thyroid hormone is secreted in large quantities more than normal, which leads to hyperactivity of the child''s metabolism.
Symptoms of thyroid disorders in children in the event of hyperactivity include the following:
1. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may appear moderate or severe, the most prominent of which are the following:
Goiter.
Increased heart rate.
increased blood pressure
slight jerk
Light and less frequent periods in adolescent girls.
Eye swelling or irritation.
Redness and pain when moving the eye.
Inability to open the eyelid completely.
Mood swings, such as anxiety and nervousness.
Increased movement, restlessness, or hyperactivity.
Anxious and restless sleep.
Stress and fatigue.
Increased appetite, whether accompanied by weight loss or not.
Increased number of times of defecation during the day.
Heat sensitivity, i.e. always feeling warm.
Poor academic performance.
Difficulty concentrating.
Feeling of a lump in the throat.
2. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in newborns
Hyperthyroidism in newborns results in a condition known as Grave''s disease if the mother has it or is still infected, and the following are its most prominent symptoms:
Weight less than the weight recorded at birth.
Microcephaly, or an abnormal head shape.
Poor weight gain.
Enlarged spleen and liver.
Goiter.
An increase in heart rate, which can lead to heart failure.
Moist and warm skin.
high blood pressure.
Nervousness and sleep problems.
bulging eyes
Vomiting and diarrhea.
Breathing problems.
When should you see a doctor?
If any indications or symptoms of thyroid gland disorders appear in children and newborns, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm the condition, prescribe the best treatment and avoid any possible complications.
