Early symptoms of thyroid disease in children

Children's thyroiditis has attracted the attention of many parents. Since children have relatively weak immune systems, thyroiditis can cause serious consequences for them. What is thyroiditis in children? What are the early symptoms of thyroid in children? Most cases of thyroiditis in children are caused by bacteria, viruses, etc. invading the body. Clinically, thyroiditis often causes enlargement and nodular changes of the thyroid gland, which is called thyroiditis. It can be divided into three types: acute, subacute and chronic. Children have lower immunity and are easily infected by thyroiditis. Thyroiditis can easily cause thyroid suppuration in children, which is difficult to treat clinically and usually requires surgery to drain the pus, so parents should always be vigilant.

Acute thyroiditis is caused by bacterial infection, which causes redness and swelling of the thyroid gland, fever, and headache. Sometimes children also have high fever, increased white blood cell count, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. It can be cured with large amounts of antibiotics and symptomatic treatment.

Subacute thyroiditis often occurs 2 to 3 weeks after an upper respiratory tract viral infection. The thyroid gland becomes enlarged and tender, and may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, anorexia, and dysphagia that radiates to the teeth, mandible, behind the ears, and chest. Transient palpitations, sweating, increased nervous excitability, etc. Thyroid function may increase transiently and then return to normal. Responds well to hormone therapy.

The other is chronic thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis clinically. This disease often occurs in children aged 6 to 16 years old, especially during the peak period of 10 to 11 years old and puberty. It can also be seen in children under 3 years old. It occurs in 1% of school-age children, more in girls than in boys. Hashimoto's thyroiditis develops slowly, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and hard, and there may be no clinical symptoms, but hypothyroidism or temporary hyperthyroidism symptoms may occur after a few years.

Symptomatic treatment can relieve symptoms, sometimes resulting in decreased breathing and symptoms of hypothyroidism. When a mother is taking care of her baby, if she finds that the baby's thyroid gland is enlarged and hard like a stone, and is uneven, she should suspect that it is a symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. At this time, she should seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent delay in the disease.

Regarding the treatment of thyroiditis in children, it is also necessary to remind you that unless it is absolutely necessary, do not rashly take surgical measures to avoid affecting the child's thyroid function and future life.

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