Thyroid Awareness Month 2024: How Does Thyroid Affect Children? Know Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

If an individual has high or low levels of thyroid hormones, it’s known as a thyroid disease. In addition, the thyroid hormones help to control many vital functions in our body.

All About Thyroid Disorders In Children

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The thyroid creates and produces hormones which play an important role in many different systems throughout your body. If an individual has high or low levels of thyroid hormones, it’s known as a thyroid disease. In addition, the thyroid hormones help to control many vital functions in our body. In this article, we will delve into the thyroid disorders in children and the causes, symptoms, treatment options that should be kept in mind

Talking about how thyrid problems can affect children, Dr Richa Chaturvedi, who is a Senior Consultant of Endocrinology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, "Thyroid problems in children might interfere with their development and energy levels. There are two types of thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism or slow thyroidism and hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid is overly active. Babies can be born with a lazy thyroid, which, if not treated early, can interfere with their intelligence and development. Sometimes the thyroid becomes lumpy (nodules) or bloated (goiter), which causes problems."

Types Of Hypothyroidism In Children:

One common thyroid disorder in children is hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones.

Talking about the types of hypothyroidism, Dr Nihar Parekh, who is a pediatrician and Founder of Cheers Child Care and SOCC (Second Opinion & Online Consultation For Children) said, "Hypothyroidism in children is of two types, one that happens at birth, which is the commonest called (CH) congenital hypothyroidism. And the other that comes may happen as secondary to an autoimmune phenomena called an autoimmune Hashimoto thyroiditis, causing hypothyroidism after that in teenagers or young children."

"Now as a protocol, the cord blood sample of the mother while delivery, is always tested for the TSH that is a thyroid stimulating hormone as a screening test to rule out congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. If the TSH is high at birth and persistently high over the next few days to a week, then immediately the baby is tested for T3 and T4 that are the other two thyroid hormones and confirm the diagnosis of CH. All it requires is the proper dosage of medication and monitoring of these thyroid levels to prevent delayed development and mental issues in the child," he added.

Hyperthyroidism In Children:

Dr. Ashok Kumar Jhingan, who is a Senior Director - Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Endocrinology, at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi. said, "Hyperthyroidism happens when a child's thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than they need. An overactive thyroid gland can get big and it may look and feel like a lump in the throat, especially when the child swallows."

"When the thyroid gland releases too much hormone, this speeds up a child's metabolism and causes problems such as anxiousness, weight loss and tremors. It can also affect their growth and development. However, pediatric hyperthyroidism is treatable and is rare compared to hypothyroidism," he added.

Talking about the treatment, he said, "Treatment is important because hyperthyroidism can cause cognitive delay in children under 3 years old, which affects their ability to think and learn. In newborns, it can be life-threatening if it isn't diagnosed soon after birth. Untreated hyperthyroidism can also cause children to grow quickly at first, and then stop growing early. This can cause short stature."

Causes Of Hyperthyroidism In Children:

The main causes of pediatric hyperthyroidism as mentioned by Dr. Ashok Kumar Jhingan include the following:

• Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children. It is an autoimmune disorder that happens when the body's immune system gets confused, and in addition to attacking germs, attacks the thyroid gland. It uses cells called antibodies, which cause the thyroid gland to release extra thyroid hormone. These antibodies may also attack the muscles behind the eyes, which can cause the eyes to bulge. Graves' disease is also called autoimmune hyperthyroidism.
• Taking too much thyroid hormone medicine can cause hyperthyroidism. For children taking thyroid hormone medicine to treat a low thyroid problem, it is possible to take too much of the medicine and develop hyperthyroidism instead.
• Taking in too much dietary iodine can also cause hyperthyroidism. Iodine is an important building block for thyroid hormone production, However, it is possible to eat too much iodine. This can happen through excessive consumption of iodine-rich Thyroid nodules are growths in the thyroid gland that sometimes produce extra hormones. If  there is a nodule in  child's neck, it is  recommended a biopsy. 
• Thyroiditis is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and leaks extra hormones into the blood. This is typically a self-limited condition, which means it will stop on its own. A thyroid gland injury or infection can cause thyroiditis, or it can happen in the early stages of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Warning Signs That Parents Should Notice:

Shivani Bajwa, who is the CEO and Founder of YogaSutra Holistic Living and Functional Medicine and Health Expert said, "Hypothyroidism can manifest in subtle ways, making early detection challenging. Parents should be attentive to signs such as unexplained fatigue, weight gain, and a slower-than-expected growth rate in their children. Additionally, constipation, dry skin, and a sensitivity to cold are potential indicators of an underactive thyroid in children. Change in behaviour, such as increased irritability or a decline in academic performance, can also be a sign of hypothyroidism."

"Conversely, hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, can present its own set of challenges. Parents may notice symptoms such as sudden weight loss, increased appetite, and restlessness in their children. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate heart rate, leading to palpitations, and may result in irregular menstrual cycles in adolescent girls. Additionally, children with hyperthyroidism may experience difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and mood swings. Unexplained sweating and heat intolerance are also common signs, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these subtle changes in a child's behaviour and physical well-being," she added.

Adding to it, Dr Richa Chaturvedi said, "Blood tests and scans can help determine why a child's thyroid is acting up. The treatment depends on what's wrong, but it usually entails medications or, in rare situations, surgery. The idea is to catch it early so that they can grow and learn normally. Thyroid problems may appear serious, but with the correct treatment, these difficulties may be treated and children can return to being their active, growing selves."

How To Know If A Child Is Prone To Thyroid Disorder

 Dr. Pawan Kumar who is a General Pediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital listed down several factors while identifying a child's risk for thyroid disorders.

• Genetic History: The involvement of a genetic history of thyroid disorders increases a child’s vulnerability to such conditions.
• Weight Changes: Unexpected weight changes in kids, whether sudden gains or losses might be a sign of a thyroid imbalance. Swelling in the neck can indicate a goiter or enlarged thyroid gland.  It is essential to assess growth and closely monitor dietary patterns regularly.
• Changes In Skin & Hair: Thyroid problems may cause dry skin, bristly hair, or texture changes. Regular evaluation of the child's skin and hair condition can provide early warning signs for prompt detection and preventative care.
• Mood Swings And Behavioral Changes: These can have a substantial impact on emotional well-being when they present as behavioral changes, irritability, or mood swings. For thorough support and management, it is essential to actively monitor emotional health and seek doctors' advice.

Nutrients And Food Items That Should Be Avoided:

The following nutrients and chemical are among those that can affect hyperthyroidism and should be avoided 

• Iodine: The Thyroid Gland uses this to produce thyroid hormone. Too much iodine in the diet can increase the production of thyroid hormone.
• Calcium and vitamin D: These are vital because hyperthyroidism can cause problems with bone mineral density.

Foods and drinks that are low in iodine include:

• non-iodized salt
• egg whites
• fresh or frozen vegetables
• herbs and spices
• vegetable oils
• Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli 

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]