What to do if children have hyperthyroidism

If a child suffers from hyperthyroidism, it will cause a lot of harm to the child, especially the child's development. If the child is sick, the development will be particularly slow, and it will also cause various adverse symptoms to the child. Many children will also have thick necks, protruding eyeballs, and special fatigue when they suffer from this disease. So how should children with hyperthyroidism be treated?

1. General treatment. During the illness, you should pay attention to rest, relieve mental stress and burden, and avoid emotional fluctuations. Students are exempted from physical education classes to prevent them from participating in strenuous physical activities. Avoid external stimulation and stress. The diet should be rich in various nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and vitamins, and ensure balanced and comprehensive nutritional supplements. Do not be picky about food or overeat.

2. Propylthiouracil or methylthiouracil: 300-450 mg/d, methimazole or carbimazole: 30-40 mg/d, orally in 2-3 doses. The dosage can be reduced when symptoms are relieved or T3 and T4 return to normal. The dosage should be reduced every 2 to 4 weeks: 50 to 100 mg/d for propylthiouracil or methylthiouracil, and 5 to 10 mg/d for methimazole or carbimazole. The dosage should be reduced to the minimum maintenance dose after the symptoms are completely eliminated and the physical signs are significantly improved.

3. Methimazole. This drug can inhibit the combination of iodine and tyrosine and inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It takes effect quickly and lasts for a long time after oral administration (half-life is 6 to 8 hours). It can be taken orally at 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg per day, divided into 2 or 3 times. After 1 to 3 months of medication, the condition is basically under control, the heart rate drops to 80 to 90 beats/min, and the blood T3 and T4 also drop to normal. The dosage can be reduced by 1/3 to 1/2. If it is still stable, gradually reduce it to the maintenance dose. Generally, it is appropriate to use the medication for 2 to 3 years.

Thyroid surgery is indicated for patients with drug allergies, granulocytopenia, thyroid tumors, significant thyroid enlargement, and recurrence of the disease after taking medication. Antithyroid drugs are used for 2 to 3 months before surgery to normalize thyroid function. Take iodine/potassium iodide (compound iodine solution) for 1 to 2 weeks before surgery to prevent intraoperative bleeding. From 4 days before surgery to 7 days after surgery, take propranolol (Inderal) orally once every 6 hours. The incidence of hypothyroidism after surgery is 50%, and a few cases experience temporary or permanent hypoparathyroidism. Hyperthyroid crisis is extremely rare in children. The causes include: infection, fatigue, inadequate preparation before surgery, mental trauma, etc. For the treatment of severe illness accompanied by shock, large amounts of iodine should be given orally and intravenously, Lugol's solution should be taken orally, and propylthiouracil should be taken 1 hour before iodine administration and every 6 hours. Propranolol is slowly pushed intravenously to provide oxygen, reduce fever, provide sedation, and control infection.

When treating children with hyperthyroidism, it is important to avoid giving them the wrong amount of iodized salt, and to supplement iodine for them appropriately. Children are prone to severe night sweats after becoming ill. If they sweat at night, you need to wipe their sweat off to prevent them from catching a cold. Their bodies will also gradually become thinner, so such diseases must be treated as soon as possible. The above content is also a good way to treat the disease.