How to treat hypothyroidism in children and what are the causes

The thyroid gland is a very important gland in the human body. It affects the growth and body temperature of children. If the secretion is too little, it may delay the growth and development of young children and cause mental retardation. So how to treat hypothyroidism in children and what are the causes?

Thyroid disease in children

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid hormone is too active. It will overstimulate metabolism, affect the sympathetic nervous system, and cause various systems of the body to speed up.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism refers to insufficient or lack of thyroid hormone secretion, which can lead to delayed growth and intellectual development, known as cretinism. Iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism.

Causes of Hypothyroidism in Children

Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune disease occurs when the body starts to produce antibodies against tissues, which can cause the body's tissues to be destroyed. Although rare, this is a serious disease where the body produces antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland, thus causing low thyroid hormone levels.

Because of radiation therapy: If your child has cancer in the upper body and receives radiation therapy, there is a high chance that he or she will develop hypothyroidism as a result of the treatment.

Thyroid surgery: If your child has surgery to remove a large portion of his thyroid gland, he is at high risk for developing hypothyroidism, a condition in which the gland stops or reduces hormone production, resulting in permanent underactive thyroid.

Because of certain medications: Many medications can also cause hypothyroidism. For example, lithium, which is used to treat psychiatric disorders, can cause thyroid dysfunction. So you can talk to your doctor about these harmful medications.

Because of treatment for hyperthyroidism: This is the rarest cause of hypothyroidism. If doctors use radioactive iodine and drugs to treat your child's hyperthyroidism, it can destroy the thyroid gland, causing it to become permanently low.

Treatment of hypothyroidism in children

Hormone replacement therapy: Your child's doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy, which is a medical procedure in which the patient receives hormones to either replenish the missing hormone or replace it as a naturally occurring hormone.

Use medication: In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to treat your child's hypothyroidism. However, medication may come with side effects and should not be used too often.