Hyperthyroidism in children has some similarities and some differences with hyperthyroidism in adults. Hyperthyroidism in children is rare compared to the older population, but it does exist and needs to be properly diagnosed and treated.
There was a time when hyperthyroidism in children was under diagnosed, but routine screenings have now prevented that problem.
Hyperthyroidism in children is best managed by a specialist such as a pediatric endocrinologist. Because children are still growing, anything that interferes with their endocrine system can cause long-term problems and needs to be watched carefully.
The most common causes of hyperthyroidism in children are congenital hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease. Congenital hyperthyroidism in children is a birth defect that can cause mental retardation if not treated immediately, but with proper treatment it causes no long term problems. Graves Disease can occur in a child at any time naturally, or a baby can be born with an overactive thyroid as a result of his or her mother having it.
Hyperthyroidism in children may be an alarming diagnosis but there’s no need to worry; with proper treatment your child should continue to thrive. Hyperthyroidism in children only leads to growth retardation and other problems if it goes unchecked.
Hyperthyroidism can run in families, so parents who have a family history of it need to be especially sensitive to signs of hyperthyroidism in their children. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children include irritability, increased appetite, increased heart rate, and oversensitivity to heat.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism in children is usually anti-thyroid medication, beta blockers or both. However, if the disorder proves to be resistant to this treatment or a more severe problem is indicated, your doctor may recommend surgery or radiation treatment.
Hyperthyroidism in children can also cause behavioral issues if it goes unchecked. For example, hyperactivity causes behavior that’s similar to the behavior seen in children with hyperthyroidism. All of these behavioral changes and problems will be reduced or eliminated with the proper treatment, however. Don’t panic if your child is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Proper care by a physician will go a long way towards getting him or her back on the right track.