Hypothyroidism in children. Causes and symptoms

Sometimes it starts as a slight pain in the throat that is repeated continuously. The child puts his hand on his neck and sometimes when he speaks, he seems somewhat hoarse. Also fatigued. They are the first alarm symptoms, although not the only ones. Hypothyroidism in children is not so easy to dia

Sometimes it starts as a slight pain in the throat that is repeated continuously. The child puts his hand on his neck and sometimes when he speaks, he seems somewhat hoarse. Also fatigued. They are the first alarm symptoms, although not the only ones. Hypothyroidism in children is not so easy to diagnose. Our son will have to undergo some tests. What is hypothyroidism in childrenThe fault of this disease is a hormone called thyroid hormone . When its activity is slower,

hypothyroidism produce occurs. It can be primary or secondary depending on where the problem is located (in the thyroid, in the hypothalamus or pituitary, or in peripheral areas). In most cases it is

congenital , meaning that the child acquireshypothyroidism since birth.Symptoms of childhood hypothyroidism And how do we detect hypothyroidism?Obviously, it depends on the age at which it starts. The congenital hypothyroidism

can be detected immediately after birth (even before). Remember that test they did your son in the heel at birth? Among other things, it served for this.

If the child is less than 3 years old, the pediatrician will detect a developmental problem in the child with symptoms such as: - Slow growth - Delay in the psychomotor development - Delay in the closure of the fontanelle - Cry snoring

- Dry skin

If the child is older than 3 years, in addition to the above symptoms, there may also be a problem in the development of

bones

, constant tiredness and increased body hair. In some cases,

muscular pseudohypertrophy

may occur. That is, when the muscles become inflamed and increase in size. It affects the hands, feet, trunk and hip.

In any case, the definitive test will be through a specific analysis that includes radiographsand ultrasound.

Why is there hypothyroidism in children Hypothyroidism in children can occur for several reasons, although the hereditary component pes weighs a lot (in 60% of cases it is an inherited disease). The cause is a disorder in thethyroid gland

.

Another reason is due to iodine deficiency (hence, during pregnancy the doctor recommends an iodine supplement).