Symptoms of thyroid in childrenImage Credit Source: Getty Images
Thyroid in Children: Yes, children can also have thyroid. This disease is not limited to elders. Many children can have a thyroid problem from birth, which is called Congonital Hypothyroidism. At the same time, in some children it develops gradually, especially when the immune system of the body accidentally attacks its own thyroid gland. This is called autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto Disease.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bagdi in Pediatric Department in Delhi AIIMS It is said that the main causes of thyroid in the children include lack of iodine or excess, family history, autoimmune problems, effects of certain medicines and radiation exposure. In addition, some children start seeing thyroid related problems within a few weeks or months of birth, such as lethargy, decrease in increase, yellowing or weakness in crying.
There are two main types of thyroid-
Hypothyroidism, in which thyroid hormone is reduced and hyperthyroidism, in which this hormone begins to be excessive. In both conditions, symptoms vary and often come out gradually, which makes it difficult to identify timely.
Hypothyroidism signal (thyroid hormone low)
In this situation, the weight of the child increases rapidly, hunger is less. The cold feels too much, the skin becomes dry, the hair starts falling. The child often complains of constipation. Light swelling on the face, difficulty in focusing in children, lack of mind in studies and slowness in speaking can also be a big sign. In newborns, this situation is more serious such as difficulty in drinking milk, weakness in crying and the body being less active than normal.
Hyperthyroidism
If the child has hyperthyroidism, then he can look more active. His weight suddenly starts decreasing, while the appetite increases a lot. The child’s frequent sweat, sleeplessness, irritable or angry, shaking hands, very strong heartbeat are indications. In some cases, the pupils of the eye may seem to be bulging. If all these signs are seen, then it is necessary to conduct the thyroid test (TSH, T3, T4) so that treatment can start at the right time.
What to feed children in thyroid (what to eat):
– Iodine -rich salt because iodine is necessary for thyroid hormones.
– Milk, curd, cheese, eggs are rich in calcium and protein.
– Green leafy vegetables, fruits (apples, bananas, berries) strengthen the immune system.
– Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds) are rich in minerals like selenium and zinc.
– Spend some time in the sun so that the body gets vitamin D, which is necessary for thyroid.
What should not be given to children in thyroid (what not to eat):
– Give raw cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower in limited quantity, especially in hypothyroid.
– Excessive soy products can reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones.
– Junk food and processed things are lacking nutrition and they can spoil the thyroid.
– Very sweet and caffeine hormone can spoil the balance.
be examined
If the child saw fatigue, lack of attention, weight gain, slow growth or repeated lethargy, then the doctor should meet the doctor. Treatment at the right time and a balanced diet can keep the thyroid under control and the normal development of the child can occur without obstruction.