What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in children?

When the thyroid gland is underactive, it is medically known as hypothyroidism. Most people may think that this disease only occurs in adults. In fact, not only adults can get this disease, but babies can also get this disease sometimes. Some babies even have this symptom when they are born. So, when a baby has hypothyroidism, what are the symptoms? How should it be treated?

Symptoms: Congenital hypothyroidism is a common disease among neonatal endocrine disorders. The causes of this disease are: incomplete development of the thyroid gland, impaired thyroid hormone synthesis; the mother suffers from hyperthyroidism, uses antithyroid preparations or radioactive iodine treatment during pregnancy, etc., which can inhibit the production of fetal thyroid hormone and also cause hypothyroidism. Because the growth of the fetus is not completely dependent on thyroid hormone, most babies are born as normal newborns. After birth, due to hypothyroidism, the following physical signs are often present: low body temperature, inactivity, drowsiness, poor appetite, soft or hoarse crying, dry and rough skin, coldness, little sweating, large anterior fontanelle, slow heart rate, constipation, umbilical hernia, prolonged physiological jaundice, etc.

Treatment method: This disease is relatively hidden and it directly affects the baby's brain tissue and bone development, leading to mental retardation and short stature, that is, cretinism. Early detection and early treatment can enable the baby to grow and develop normally. Treatment must be carried out under the guidance of an experienced pediatrician to avoid accidents. Generally, about 80% of babies who are diagnosed and treated within 1 month after birth have an IQ of more than 90 points; for those who are diagnosed and treated within 3 months, less than half have an IQ of 90 points.

Therefore, when a woman finds out that she has a thyroid disease, she must seek timely treatment. She can only become pregnant when the disease is under control and the doctor has confirmed that she can become pregnant. If you find that your baby has symptoms of hypothyroidism, you must pay attention to early treatment to minimize the harm to the baby.