Treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in children
The correct treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in children it is essential to avoid the decrease of metabolic, digestive, renal and cardiovascular functions.
On the other hand this problem in children can bring other serious complications such as affecting the growth and development of it.
Also have a abnormal thyroid hormone level it affects several organs including the heart and the brain.
what is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in children?
In simple terms it is a condition where the immune system generates antibodies that affect the thyroid. This causes the immune system to attack the thyroid, causing the inflammation of it.
With the passage of time this disease generates hyperthyroidism, this indicates that the production of these hormones is at a level below normal.
This condition is also called autoimmune thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, this type of hyperthyroidism in children is said to be acquired since it usually appears in the first six months of life.
Risk factor's
The exact causes that generate this condition are unknown, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a key role. Likewise certain medications and substances can affect the increase of thyroid hormones.
Consuming excess iodine, high cholesterol, chemical contaminants, vitamin D deficiency and changes in sex hormones can cause this disease. Among the risk factors we can name:
•Hereditary; If there is a registry of relatives with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, the risk of a family member suffering from this disease increases.
•Autoimmune diseases; Type 1 diabetes, lupus, autoimmune hepatitis or rheumatoid arthritis significantly affects the risk of suffering from this disease.
•Congenital; in this case fall conditions such as Down syndrome.
•Radiation; Being exposed to radiation like radiation therapy in children with cancer increases the risk index. At the same time excessive environmental radiation contributes to its appearance.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis in children: Symptoms
The progress of this disease is very slow and can be asymptomatic. In addition, the symptoms and signs are very varied, so it can take time before it is correctly diagnosed.
Among its symptoms we have:
• Growth retardation.
• Hair loss.
• Have a bigger tongue than usual.
• Depression, fatigue and irritability.
• Constipation
• Delayed sexual development.
• Sensitivity to cold.
• Low heart rate.
• Weight gain.
Treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in children
Treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in children seeks to replace thyroid hormone with levothyroxine.
Thanks to this synthetic hormone, hormone levels in the blood are normalized, ensuring the growth and development of children and adolescents.
It is important keep in mind that if the child suffers from hypothyroidism, the treatment is for life. The dose may vary, so the specialist will repeat the tests at the beginning of the treatment. If the dose is insufficient, the symptoms will continue to appear.
For better treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis in children it is recommended to see the doctor once a year.
At the same time if with the dose implemented the child has trouble concentrating, sleeping or suffering from restless sleep see the doctor again. It may be that the dose administered is not sufficient.
Treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis helps the infant to have a normal life, however there is no cure for this disease. So strict control by the specialist is essential.
