Thyroid disease in adolescence. A child has an enlarged thyroid gland: degrees, main causes and symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Types and reasons for the appearance of HS

The thyroid gland is an organ without which normal development of a child is impossible. The hormones it produces affect the formation of mental abilities, the functioning of the intestines, the heart, hematopoiesis, the maintenance of immunity, the desired body temperature and weight.

Respiratory and future reproductive functions, sleep and skeletal formation also depend on the functioning of this organ. If a child of any age has an enlarged thyroid gland, this leads to serious changes in his health. The gland consists of the right lobe, which is always slightly larger than the left, and the isthmus. Located in front of the larynx. In children it lies directly on the thyroid cartilage. The organ belongs to the human endocrine system.

Why does the thyroid gland enlarge?

Enlargement of the thyroid gland (TG) is a change in its size, weight, volume. Among endocrine childhood diseases, thyroid dysfunction ranks first. The main reason is insufficient intake of iodine into the child’s body during pregnancy and after birth. The most dangerous periods are considered to be the period of intrauterine development and the first years of a child’s life. Prevention of iodine deficiency is considered a national task - it affects 60% of the territory of Russia.

The reasons for the growth of the thyroid gland are:

Lack of iodine - the thyroid gland enlarges to produce more hormones
Lack of systematic prevention of iodine deficiency in problem regions
Poor environmental situation - children in industrial cities suffer greatly
Heredity
Child malnutrition and stress

In girls, the thyroid gland increases more often than in boys.

The degree of enlargement of the thyroid gland and its weight

Any growth of the thyroid gland is called a goiter. By palpating the gland during examination and assessing it visually, the endocrinologist makes a conclusion about the degree of proliferation:

0 – no change in size is detected by palpation, the gland is healthy
I – there are no visual changes yet, but upon palpation an increase is diagnosed
II – an enlarged thyroid gland is visually noticeable when the head is tilted back
III – change in size is visible when the head is not tilted back
IV and V – the gland is very enlarged and changes the contours of the neck

Normal thyroid mass in children of different ages

The thyroid gland becomes maximally active in children aged 5-7 years and during puberty, as it is a powerful stress for a teenager. During this period, the thyroid gland increases especially strongly in girls.

Common symptoms of thyroid enlargement

There are several diseases of the thyroid gland in which its enlargement occurs. Each of them has its own characteristics. In this case, a number of common symptoms are identified that indicate problems in the child’s body:

Body temperature becomes either elevated or decreased
Digestive problems - constipation, flatulence, increased peristalsis, diarrhea
Sleep disturbances – the child sleeps little and becomes irritable. Sleep may require too much time (up to 12 hours) with persistent lethargy
Weight fluctuations - since the thyroid gland regulates metabolic processes, the child can either lose weight or gain a lot of weight
Shortness of breath, swelling
Visually noticeable growth of the thyroid gland in the later stages
School-age children fall behind academically and have difficulty concentrating on assignments

Signs of an enlarged thyroid gland are not immediately recognized and are often attributed to other diseases. If any changes are noticed in the child, then it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist as soon as possible.

Pediatric thyroid diseases

An increase in the thyroid gland in a child occurs due to a decrease or increase in hormone production, infectious diseases, injuries, and the presence of tumors. Children's thyroid diseases - hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, Graves' disease, nodules and tumors.

Hypothyroidism

Manifests itself in decreased production of hormones by the gland. With iodine deficiency, the size of the thyroid gland increases to compensate for their deficiency. Primary hypothyroidism is associated with disorders in the gland itself. It can be congenital or acquired. If a child is born with decreased thyroid function, he is diagnosed with cretinism. The disease is found in one baby out of 4,000, with girls being affected twice as often as boys. Secondary hypothyroidism occurs due to disorders in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

A child at any age becomes tearful, inactive, swollen, drowsy, and depressed. Weight gain occurs, constipation appears, the skin turns pale, hair becomes dull and begins to break. Children under 6 years old lose interest in games; learning simple things is difficult. Schoolchildren with hypothyroidism lag behind in school and sports, they are inhibited, uncommunicative, and have poor memory. Puberty occurs later, and teenage girls experience problems with the menstrual cycle.

Hyperthyroidism

There is an increased release of hormones. The disease is most often diagnosed in children aged 3 to 12 years. Congenital hyperthyroidism is present in only one child out of 30,000, and no gender dependence has been found. The disease occurs during pregnancy if the expectant mother suffers from Graves' disease.

In a newborn, hyperthyroidism initially manifests itself as decreased weight and height, and sometimes children are born premature. The baby is very active, excitable, often has diarrhea, sweats profusely, and does not gain weight well. After some time, maternal hormones are independently excreted from the child’s body, so these signs appear most clearly in the first weeks of the baby’s life.

In children of preschool and school age with hyperthyroidism, an accelerated metabolism, increased activity, and sweating are observed. My mood and weight are very unstable, my sleep is poor, my blood pressure is high. The child sleeps little, so over time, nervous exhaustion and increased fatigue appear. During puberty, girls' menstrual cycles become disrupted. It is possible to develop thyrotoxicosis – hormonal intoxication.

Thyroiditis

The first sign of the disease is a decrease in academic performance and stunting of physical growth. The remaining symptoms are characteristic of hyper- and hypofunction of the thyroid gland.

Graves' disease

The same applies to autoimmune diseases. Adolescents aged 10-15 years are at risk, with girls getting sick 8 times more often. Mood swings, fatigue, and irritability are noted. Over time, the eyes bulge and the goiter grows, and heart problems begin.

Nodes and tumors

An enlarged thyroid gland may contain areas with a different structure or density. Their nature can be benign or malignant. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and a so-called “lump in the throat.” All neoplasms are under constant monitoring.

Diagnosis and treatment

The earlier an enlarged thyroid gland is detected, the more successful its treatment will be. If the necessary measures are not taken, the disease can lead to dire consequences.

Diagnosis of changes in the thyroid gland consists of examining the child by an endocrinologist, collecting information and complaints from parents, and palpating the gland. Tests are prescribed for hormone levels (TSH), the amount of iodine in the blood, ultrasound, MRI, and, if necessary, a biopsy. The summarized data allows us to determine the cause of changes in the shape, weight and volume of the thyroid gland, as well as the degree of enlargement. For newborns, hypothyroidism is identified in the maternity hospital, because the level of development of the child depends on how quickly hormonal hypofunction is detected. By recognizing the disease before the age of 1 month, the child can be ensured normal mental and physical development.

Priority in treatment is given to preparations with iodine. The dose and regimen are determined only by the doctor based on the information collected and tests performed. The following methods are used:

Hypothyroidism - medications are prescribed to raise hormone levels to the required level
Hyperthyroidism - medications are prescribed that suppress the activity of the thyroid gland. Congenital hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, caused by illness of the expectant mother during pregnancy, cannot be treated. Maternal hormones simply leave the newborn’s body or their activity is suppressed by temporary medication
Basedow's disease - a mild form is treated at home; in moderate and severe cases the child is hospitalized
If the thyroid gland is very enlarged, it is possible to remove part of it

The thyroid gland is one of the most important endocrine glands that has a direct effect on the child’s health and well-being. Even minor disturbances in its functional activity lead to the development of disorders of other glands (pituitary gland, hypothalamus), metabolic processes in the body, changes in mood and appearance.

In this article we will look at which thyroid diseases are most common in children.

General information about the thyroid gland

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is an informative method for diagnosing diseases of this organ.

triiodothyronine;
thyroxine;
calcitonin.

The first two of them are involved in the regulation of the maturation and growth of organs and tissues, and metabolic processes in the body. Calcitonin is involved in the development of the skeletal system and regulates calcium metabolism. The formation of thyroid hormones requires iodine and tyrosine (an amino acid).

To assess thyroid function, laboratory determination of the content of hormones in the child’s blood is used. Acceptable levels of hormones in the blood depend on the age of the children. If a pathology is suspected, the content of TSH, a thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland and regulating the formation of thyroid hormones, is first determined. If deviations are detected, then other hormones are determined: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).

In some diseases, it is important to detect antibodies in the blood (antithyroglobulin and antithyroperoxidase). Instrumental methods include ultrasound, thermography, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and biopsy.

Causes of thyroid diseases

Disturbances in thyroid function (excess or lack of hormones) appear in cases of thyroid disease. These dysfunctions lead to the development of various diseases in children.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of thyroid diseases:

poor environmental situation;
poor quality food;
lack of iodine in foods and water;
selenium deficiency in the body;
infections;
autoimmune diseases;
gland duct cyst.

In addition to diseases, the activity of the thyroid gland is directly influenced by the hormones of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus (parts of the brain). In turn, the thyroid gland affects their hormonal activity.

Types of thyroid diseases in children

Thyroid diseases in children include:

hypothyroidism: primary (congenital and acquired) and secondary;
thyroiditis (acute, subacute and chronic);
diffuse goiter (Graves' disease);
nodular goiter;
thyroid cyst;
thyroid disease in newborns.

Hypothyroidism

With hypothyroidism, the level of thyroid hormones in the child’s blood is usually reduced.

Hypothyroidism refers to endocrine diseases that occur in children due to decreased thyroid function. Hypothyroidism can be primary or secondary. In primary hypothyroidism, the deficiency of thyroid hormones is associated with a process directly in the gland itself. In secondary hypothyroidism, hormone deficiency is associated with dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

There are the following types of primary hypothyroidism:

congenital: associated with a malformation of intrauterine development of the gland or a violation of the production of thyroid hormones;
acquired: develops due to iodine deficiency in the child’s diet, after an inflammatory process in the gland, with radioactive damage to it, or after surgery on this organ.

Congenital hypothyroidism in infants is caused by the following disorders:

hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the thyroid gland;
aplasia (complete absence) of the gland due to mutations;
defect of enzymes involved in the production of thyroid hormones;
lack of iodine in the maternal body.

The cause of secondary hypothyroidism is a decrease in the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone as a result of:

birth trauma;
meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the membranes and substance of the brain);
brain injuries;
(hypothalamic-pituitary region).

Congenital hypothyroidism(cretinism), according to statistics, occurs in one newborn out of 4000. Moreover, it occurs in boys half as often as in girls. Thyroid hormone deficiency affects the growth of all organs, but the brain is most affected.

Signs of the disease appear in infants from the first days of life: decreased body temperature, drowsiness, decreased appetite, slowed heart rate.

In the following weeks, other symptoms clearly appear: slow development and growth, decreased muscle tone, dry skin, slowed reflexes. It may appear. Slow tooth growth is also characteristic.

Treatment started at this stage allows you to get rid of most of these manifestations, except for brain damage. Although the child’s mental development depends on the age at which hormone treatment was started: if the baby receives treatment from the first month of life, then his intelligence may not be affected.

If hypothyroidism is detected, treatment begins immediately. If treatment is started after 1-1.5 months, the changes in the brain will be irreversible. In this case, the pathology will lead to mental retardation and impaired physical development: short stature in such children is combined with disproportion of body parts, deaf-muteness and mental disability.

Acquired hypothyroidism may be combined with damage to other glands (parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, gonads). These lesions of an autoimmune nature are diagnosed as primary polyendocrine insufficiency. Sometimes such patients have other diseases with an autoimmune mechanism of development (pernicious anemia, etc.).

In autoimmune processes, as a result of disturbances in the immune system, the body produces antibodies against thyroid cells, which leads to its damage and insufficient synthesis of hormones.

With hypothyroidism, all types of metabolism (metabolism) are disrupted, which leads to a significant lag in not only the physical, but also the mental development of the child. Sometimes this condition can be suspected based on the child’s poor academic performance and inability to master the school curriculum.

Clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism:

general weakness;
poor sleep;
increased fatigue;
growth retardation and shortening of limbs;
delayed puberty; but there are cases of early puberty at 7-12 years of age;
girls experience menstrual irregularities;
weight gain;
memory loss;
typical appearance of the face: puffiness, wide bridge of the nose, enlarged lips and tongue, distant eyes, pallor and swelling of the face (myxedema);
dry skin;
hair is dull and brittle;
swelling of the limbs;
impaired coordination of movements;
heart rhythm disturbances (interruptions);
fluctuations in blood pressure (dystonia);
high serum cholesterol levels;
depressed mood, indifference, depression;
constipation

The mass of the brain may decrease as nerve cells undergo degenerative changes. Mental retardation dominates. Subsequently, oligophrenia (mental retardation) manifests itself in varying degrees of severity. The child is not interested in games, it is difficult for him to learn anything new, learn something, or play sports. The baby is falling further and further behind in general development.

The face of a child with hypothyroidism (the face of a nerd) may resemble the face of Down syndrome. But Down's disease is characterized by: eye shape (Mongoloid), normal appearance of hair and skin, loose joints, Brushfield spots on the iris of the eyes.

Clinical signs of hypothyroidism largely depend on the age of the child at the time of the onset of thyroid hormone deficiency. But in the foreground is developmental delay, mental and physical. The older the child is at the onset of the disease, the less pronounced the developmental delay will be.

In severe and long-term conditions of hypothyroidism, there are disturbances in the functioning of all organs and systems. If left untreated, death may occur.

For hypothyroidism, replacement treatment with Thyroidin is carried out throughout life. In addition, courses of treatment with Cerebrolysin and vitamin preparations are carried out. To correct developmental delays, therapeutic pedagogy and physical therapy are used. Exercise therapy prevents and eliminates deformations of the musculoskeletal system, improves metabolism, and normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract.

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) in children

The causes of hyperthyroidism may be different, but its manifestations are the same regardless of the cause.

Thyrotoxicosis is a disease associated with excessive levels of thyroid hormones in a child’s body. The disease develops more often in children from 3 to 12 years old and does not depend on the gender of the child.

Causes of hyperthyroidism can be:

increased thyroid function in the form of excessive formation and secretion of hormones T4 and T3;
destruction of gland cells and release of previously synthesized hormones T4 and T3;
overdose of synthetic hormonal drugs (thyroid hormones);
overdose of iodine drugs.

An increase in the functional activity of the thyroid gland occurs;

autonomous: for tumors of the gland (adenoma or carcinoma) or for Albright's syndrome (the essence and description of the syndrome, see below); thyroid tumors rarely develop in children;
associated with stimulation of thyroid function by pituitary hormones.

Albright syndrome consists in the development of one or many adenomatous nodes in gland tissue with increased function. Clinical manifestations of the syndrome: in addition to developmental disorders (dysplasia) of the skeleton, there is spotted skin pigmentation and increased activity of the endocrine glands (parathyroid and gonads, adrenal glands).

As a result of these lesions, in addition to hyperthyroidism, the following may be observed: Cushing's syndrome (a disease associated with an excess amount of hormones of the adrenal cortex), acromegaly (a disease of the pituitary gland with enlargement of the feet, hands, and facial skull), early sexual development.

Hyperthyroidism in newborns(neonatal hyperthyroidism) is extremely rare (1 case in 30,000 newborns). It develops 7 times less frequently than congenital hypothyroidism. The condition does not depend on the gender of the child. Sometimes this results in premature babies being born. Hyperthyroidism in this case is associated with the entry into the child’s body of antibodies that stimulate the synthesis of thyroid hormones from the body of a mother suffering from Graves’ disease. In the baby's body, these antibodies also cause an excess of hormones.

Typically, this type of hyperthyroidism is not severe and does not require treatment, since most often the antibodies are eliminated from the child’s body within 2-3 months on their own. In extremely rare cases, with a very high antibody titer, acute thyrotoxicosis may develop, requiring treatment to suppress hormone synthesis. Rarely, congenital (neonatal) hyperthyroidism persists for several years.

With hyperthyroidism in newborns, the following signs are observed in children: an enlarged thyroid gland, restlessness, increased motor activity and excitability of the baby to sound or light, increased sweating, enlarged lymph nodes, liver and spleen; Fever, rapid breathing and heart rate may occur.

Yellowness of the skin, pinpoint hemorrhages, and frequent stools may occur. The child's eyes are wide open, as if bulging (exophthalmos). The baby's height and weight at birth are reduced due to intrauterine growth retardation. The weight gain is insignificant, although the baby is breastfeeding well. The number of platelets and prothrombin in the blood decreases.

Clinical manifestations of the disease are detected after birth, sometimes they appear on days 3-7, and sometimes later - at 1 or even 1.5 months.

Typically, neonatal hyperthyroidism does not require treatment; its manifestations gradually disappear. Sometimes, for transient hyperthyroidism, beta blockers and potassium iodide are prescribed to suppress the release of previously formed hormones.

Only in some severe cases, drugs that suppress the synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormones are used. This treatment is safe for babies. In a short time, these drugs can eliminate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism can be a symptom of thyroid lesions such as Graves' disease (Graves' disease) and thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid tissue), which develops through different mechanisms. Hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease is associated with stimulation of thyroid-stimulating receptors by antibodies to these receptors. Graves' disease is the most common cause (95%) of hyperthyroidism in children. See below for a detailed description of these diseases.

Regardless of the reason that caused the increased thyroid function, thyrotoxicosis has the following main clinical symptoms:

increased heart rate;
increased blood pressure;
thyroid enlargement;
increased sweating;
aggressiveness and irritability, frequent mood swings;
sleep disturbance;
poor appetite;
weakness and fatigue;
eye symptoms: double vision, a feeling of pressure behind the eyeballs, a feeling of sand in the eyes, “protrusion” of the eyeballs (in advanced conditions);
feeling of trembling in the body;
twitching of eyelids;
frequent urination at night;
disruption of the menstrual cycle in girls;
increase or decrease in the child’s body weight.

According to the existing classification, thyroiditis is distinguished:

acute (non-purulent and purulent);
subacute (viral);
Riedel's chronic thyroiditis (fibrotic) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (lymphomatous autoimmune).

Acute thyroiditis can be caused by any acute or chronic infection (acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, influenza, etc.). The cause of inflammation can also be injury, lead or iodine poisoning, and sometimes the cause of the disease cannot be determined.

The onset of inflammation may be unnoticeable and slow. There is pain in the neck and when swallowing, weakness, and hoarseness. The temperature may remain normal. And only after a few days (sometimes weeks) does the gland become enlarged and the thyroid gland becomes painful.

The temperature rises, manifestations of intoxication intensify (weakness, nausea or vomiting, sweating, headache). Swallowing or moving the head increases pain in the area of the gland that feels dense to the touch. The cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. The number of leukocytes in the blood increases, and accelerated ESR is noted.

At the initial stage of the disease, thyroid function is increased, that is, hyperthyroidism develops, and then transient signs of hypothyroidism may be noted.

Young patients recover after 1 or 1.5 months, but relapses may occur. Full restoration of gland function may take up to 6 months.

In addition to a smooth course, cases of severe, lightning-fast course are possible, as a result of which suppuration of the gland can develop. The abscess can open through the skin to the outside, but it can also open into the esophagus, trachea or mediastinum. Purulent thyroiditis can result in fibrosis of the gland with the development of hypothyroidism.

Principles of treatment acute thyroiditis:

bed rest;
antibiotic therapy for up to 3-4 weeks;
for hypothyroidism - administration of the hormone L-thyroxine;
detoxification therapy;
symptomatic treatment (painkillers, heart medications, sleeping pills according to indications);
vitamin therapy;
surgical treatment for purulent processes;
diet therapy (fractional meals, liquid food).

Subacute thyroiditis also called granulomatous, it is rarely found in children. It often develops after viral infections (mumps), so its nature is assumed to be viral. After these diseases, autoantibodies are found in the blood, which destroy the thyroid tissue, forming tubercles (granulomas) of giant cells.

Manifestations of subacute thyroiditis are an enlarged, painful gland, elevated temperature, and symptoms of intoxication. The pain radiates to the back of the head, to the parotid region.

During the course of the disease, hyperthyroidism with its characteristic manifestations is replaced (as a result of depletion of hormone synthesis) by symptoms of hypothyroidism; the content of thyroid-stimulating hormones decreases.

In the treatment of subacute thyroiditis, drugs of the pyrazolone and salicylic series are also used. Antibiotics are used only when glucocorticoids are used.

At the stage of hyperthyroidism, drugs to suppress gland function are not used, since the increased level of hormones is not associated with increased synthesis, but with the release of previously formed hormones during the destruction of the tissue of the gland itself.

Since hypothyroidism in this process is transient, thyroid hormones are also not used.

Riedel's goiter also has a name chronic (fibrous) thyroiditis. Rarely occurs in children. In the gland, dense connective tissue grows (fibrosis). The disease develops unnoticed. A painless, woody formation appears on the neck due to an enlarged gland. The lymph nodes do not enlarge, the skin over the protrusion is not changed. With a long process, breathing and swallowing may be impaired; hoarseness appears, sometimes a dry cough due to compression or displacement of the esophagus and trachea.

The general condition of the children does not suffer. Thyroid functions remain normal.

Surgical treatment: part of the gland and its isthmus are removed to prevent compression of the trachea.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune)

In children, the lymphatic system is more active than in adults. As a result, children more often develop autoimmune processes. The thyroid gland has a single lymphatic ring with the pharyngeal tonsils, therefore, against the background of chronic tonsillitis, an inflammatory process develops in it.

Genetic predisposition to autoimmune processes matters. Family predisposition is observed in 65% of children, and on the maternal side it is 3 times more common. A failure of the immune system can be caused by a viral infection, certain medications, or injury. But the cause of the disease has not been fully studied.

Antibodies are produced to the cells of the thyroid gland itself, which are perceived as foreign, resulting in tissue destruction. When cells are damaged, a significant amount of previously synthesized hormones are released, which leads to temporary hyperthyroidism with corresponding symptoms. This phase of the disease lasts no more than 6 months. Subsequently, thyroid function decreases and hypothyroidism develops.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can develop at any age, but its symptoms appear gradually and the disease is difficult to detect in the early stages. Children get sick more often in adolescence, less often in preschool age. Girls get sick 4-5 times more often than boys. The first sign is often a sudden slowdown in growth. A child’s academic performance often decreases.

A protrusion (goiter) appears on the neck; increased fatigue, decreased activity of the child, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation are also noted. The thyroid gland may be painful when palpated. In 5-10% of cases (with the atrophic form), goiter does not develop. Diagnosis is based on the appearance of a goiter.

According to the WHO classification, the following goiter sizes are distinguished:

0 degree – the thyroid gland is not enlarged, i.e. no goiter;
I degree – the thyroid gland is larger than the distal (end) phalanx of the thumb of the examined child, but is not visible to the eye;
Stage II – an enlarged gland is both palpable and visible to the naked eye.

In children, grade II goiter is more common. The surface of the gland may be uneven; The gland itself is dense or elastic to the touch and moves when swallowing.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis may be one of the manifestations of polyendocrine autoimmune syndrome, that is, combined with damage to various endocrine glands.

Various methods are used for diagnosis: determination of blood levels of thyroid hormones and titers of thyroid antibodies, ultrasound, fine-needle biopsy (the most accurate method).

No effective treatment has been developed. For painful sensations, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy is used. There is no convincing data on the effectiveness of immunomodulatory therapy. At the stage of hyperthyroidism, β-blockers and sedatives are used.

In case of severe manifestations of thyrotoxicosis, Metizol is prescribed. In the stage of hypothyroidism, L-thyroxine is used (with hormone levels regularly monitored). If the goiter is large, surgical intervention is performed: removal of a part or lobe of the gland.

Graves' disease or Graves' disease- diffuse toxic goiter – one of the autoimmune lesions of the thyroid gland, in which antibodies are formed that bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors. As a result, the synthesis of hormones increases, the thyroid gland increases in size.

Children get sick mainly in adolescence (usually from 10 to 15 years), and girls get sick 8 times more often than boys. In some cases, Graves' disease can be combined with other diseases of an autoimmune nature (vitiligo, and some others).

The clinical picture of Graves' disease in children can be very diverse. In addition to an increase in the thyroid gland, symptoms of thyrotoxicosis occur with damage to many organs and systems:

From the nervous system: frequent mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, poor sleep, anxiety, fatigue. Some children develop uncoordinated movements, twitching, trembling of fingers, tongue, and eyelids. Sweating and increased body temperature may occur.
From the cardiovascular system: paroxysmal heartbeats, a feeling of pulsation in the epigastric region, in the head and limbs; The rhythm of cardiac activity may be disturbed. Increased heart rate - a constant and early symptom of the disease - persists during sleep. Systolic blood pressure increases and diastolic blood pressure decreases. In the case of a long course of the disease, changes appear on the ECG and the boundaries of the heart expand.
From the digestive tract: thirst, increased appetite, loose stools, enlarged liver. At the same time, rapid and significant weight loss of the child is noted.
Eye symptoms: bilateral exophthalmos (“bulging” of the eyes) with wide open eyes, pigmentation, swelling and trembling of the eyelids, rare blinking, increased shine of the eyes.

With Graves' disease, the thyroid gland always increases. But the degree of its increase varies, and this does not determine the severity of the disease.

Degrees of thyroid enlargement:

I degree - the isthmus of the gland is palpable, but it is not visible to the eye during examination;
II degree – the gland becomes visible when swallowing;
III degree - upon examination, the iron is clearly visible, it completely fills the gap between the neck muscles;
IV degree – the gland is sharply enlarged to the sides and forward;
V degree - the size of the gland is very large.

An enlarged gland can compress the trachea and esophagus, causing problems with swallowing and breathing; the voice becomes hoarse.

When you palpate the gland, you can feel a pulsation, and when you listen, you can hear noises. More often there is a diffuse uniform enlargement of the gland, less often with the presence of nodes. If nodes are present, a mandatory scan of the gland is necessary to exclude the presence of a cyst or cancerous tumor.

Diagnosis with severe symptoms is not difficult. The diagnosis is confirmed by an increase in the levels of T3 and T4, as well as iodine in the blood, and increased activity of the gland during scanning.

Graves' disease in childhood can be mild, moderate or severe. If the course is favorable, the disease lasts at least one to one and a half years. The layering of any infection contributes to an increase in the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.

Unfavorable development of the disease is characterized by the occurrence of a thyrotoxic crisis. A crisis can be triggered by stress, an infectious disease, or physical activity. A crisis can also develop after surgery to remove part of the gland without preparation (without eliminating thyrotoxicosis).

In children, such a crisis is manifested by significant disturbances in the cardiovascular system: a sharp increase in blood pressure, increased heart rate. Body temperature also increases, motor restlessness, dehydration and adrenal insufficiency develop. The condition can worsen until the development of coma and even death.

Treatment of chronic thyroiditis

Treatment of children with severe and moderate forms of the disease is carried out in a hospital. Bed rest should be observed for about a month. The diet includes foods containing vitamins and rich in proteins.

In order to suppress the production of thyroid hormones, Mercazolil is prescribed in the required daily dose for one and a half to two months. Subsequently, the dose of the drug is gradually reduced to a maintenance daily dose. Maintenance therapy is carried out from 6 to 12 months.

In addition to Mercazolil, other drugs can be used, such as Propylthiouracil, Carbimazole. In some situations, a doctor may prescribe a combination of hormone replacement drugs and drugs that suppress the activity of the thyroid gland. In rare cases, radioactive iodine is used for children.

In addition, symptomatic treatment is carried out (hypotensive drugs, sedatives, vitamin complexes).

Children with mild forms of Graves' disease are treated on an outpatient basis. Iodine preparations (Diiodotyrosine) are prescribed in repeated 20-day courses with 10-day intervals between them. Such treatment is not always effective: due to the development of resistance to treatment, relapses may occur.

In these cases, Mercazolil is also used, but daily doses are prescribed less and treatment courses are shorter than for moderate or severe forms.

If there is no effect from conservative treatment carried out within a year, surgical intervention is performed. However, surgical treatment also does not exclude the occurrence of relapses of the disease. In addition, the consequence of subtotal removal of the gland may be the development of hypothyroidism, which will require the use of hormone replacement therapy for life.

After hospital treatment, children are allowed to go to school no earlier than 1 or even 1.5 months. with their release from physical activity and an additional day off.

Measures to prevent thyrotoxicosis include observation by a pediatrician if the thyroid gland is enlarged with its function preserved, especially if the child has a family predisposition to the disease. Such children should undergo courses of restorative therapy and sanitize the foci of all chronic infections.

Endemic goiter

Goiter is rare in childhood. Endemic goiter develops more often, associated with insufficient iodine content in the local area in the water and in the products the child receives. The hormonal activity of the gland is practically not disturbed. The main manifestation is an enlargement of the gland, which manifests itself as a bulging formation on the neck. Ultrasound examination reveals a changed structure of the thyroid gland.

Treatment consists of prescribing iodine preparations and consuming iodized foods.

Nodular goiter

Nodes in nodular goiter can be detected by palpation or during ultrasound.

Nodular goiter is a collective concept, including the presence of formations in the thyroid gland that differ from the tissue of the gland itself in structure, composition and structure. Nodes represent tumor formations: malignant and benign. An accurate diagnosis can only be made based on the examination results.

The cause of the appearance of nodes may be stress, toxic effects, or lack of iodine in the body. Family predisposition to gland damage also matters. There can be several nodes. They can have different densities. Sizes can also vary from 1 cm to such large sizes that the child has difficulty breathing.

Most often, the nodes are painless. Benign nodes do not cause significant harm to the body, unlike malignant ones, which have a tendency to grow and metastasize.

Sometimes children feel a lump in the throat and difficulty breathing. If any of the listed manifestations appear, you should consult a doctor. To clarify the nature of the node, an examination is carried out. Ultrasound examination helps to detect all nodes at an early stage.

Sometimes other studies are performed (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, fine-needle aspiration biopsy).

The main danger of nodes is the possibility of their degeneration into malignant formations. Therefore, systematic medical supervision is mandatory. If the node is small, then quarterly ultrasound monitoring of the node is performed.

The question of treatment is decided only after the diagnosis has been clarified. If the node is large, surgical intervention is performed. But it may be ineffective, since nodes can form again if the cause of their occurrence is not eliminated. In addition, after removal of a lobe of the gland, hypothyroidism may develop and the need for lifelong use of hormonal drugs.

Large nodules can also lead to hyperthyroidism if they produce and secrete hormones on a par with the gland itself. Nodules can also provoke the development of other thyroid diseases.

Therefore, their education and treatment should not be ignored. It is necessary to eliminate the causes and factors that contribute or provoke their occurrence. It is necessary to think through and adjust the child’s nutrition, recommend that he get rid of existing bad habits (for teenagers), stressful situations and excessive physical activity, including sports.

Summary for parents

If parents notice any enlargement or protrusion in the child’s neck, notice manifestations of the disease or changes in behavior, mood and academic performance, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor with the child and conduct the necessary research. Perhaps the cause of the pathology lies in the thyroid gland and its hormones.

Timely diagnosis and treatment will help prevent severe disease and irreversible consequences. Many thyroid diseases can be successfully treated at an early stage. The prognosis with timely and correct treatment is favorable.

Which doctor should I contact?

If signs appear that suggest damage to the thyroid gland, you can contact your pediatrician. After the initial diagnosis, if problems with the gland are confirmed, the child will be treated by an endocrinologist. Additional assistance in treatment can be provided by a neurologist or cardiologist.

The thyroid gland in children is responsible for the physical and mental development of the body.

If there is a malfunction of at least one function, it will definitely affect your health.

In such a situation, manifestations of serious illnesses, delays in physical and mental development, for example, cretinism, are possible.

To understand how the thyroid gland works in children, blood tests are performed immediately after birth.

If the production of hormones is insufficient, special external signs of this situation will not be noticeable until a certain time. Only at a more mature age will lifelong use of replacement therapy be required.

Ecological deterioration and insufficient consumption of iodine in food are the main reasons for the increase in the number of diseases.

Refined foods and synthetic carbonated drinks, which everyone likes so much, do not contain iodine. Its deficiency can lead to unpredictable consequences.

The gland produces three main hormones:

triiodothyronine;
thyroxine;
Calcitonin takes part in the formation of bones, the metabolic process of calcium depends on it.

Hormones, the first on the list, take an active part in the maturation of the body, its growth, and regulate metabolic processes.

The production of thyroid hormones constantly requires iodine and tyrosine (an amino acid). Iodine deficiency leads to a decrease in intelligence, and the formation of nodes is possible. The younger generation, which does not receive enough iodine from food, is characterized by slow physical and mental development.

Increased levels of radiation affect the functioning of the gland. Especially for residents living in areas of high radioactivity. It is they who are more likely to detect neoplasms on the organ.

Stress is another reason that can provoke thyroid disease in children. During stressful situations, some hormones are produced in larger quantities than necessary, while others are not enough. There is an imbalance in work, and as a result, signs of illness appear.

The size of the thyroid gland in children is determined by ultrasound. The volumes of this organ are different for boys and girls of the same age. In order to detect an early stage disease, it is very important to conduct research. These studies will help determine hormone levels and understand the pathology of the disease. All studies help to accurately determine the extent of organ damage in order to prescribe the necessary treatment.

The most important thing that parents should know: when a malfunction of the thyroid gland is detected immediately and they begin to treat it at the very initial stage, there will definitely be a favorable outcome. You just need to be observed and entrust the treatment to an experienced endocrinologist.

Types of illnesses that occur at a young age:

hyperthyroidism;
hypothyroidism;
diffuse goiter;
thyroiditis.

If you miss the moment of identifying thyroid ailments of the younger generation, you may miss treatment at an early stage, then big problems with health, physical and mental development are possible. Only a slight decrease in the function of the thyroid organ leads to a decrease in intelligence; the baby lags behind in mental development. The hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine are responsible for metabolic processes. Scientists have confirmed that every disease depends on the unstable state of the endocrine organ.

External signs that give reason to consult a doctor:

Children at risk, that is, those who are often ill and whose immune system function is reduced. With the development of hyperfunction, the ability of the immune system decreases, so it is difficult for the body to cope with viral and bacterial pathogens. It has been established that iodine is involved in many immune reactions. With insufficient consumption of iodine-containing products, the activity of neutrophils and macrophages, which are supposed to neutralize viruses and bacteria, is reduced.
When the baby's heartbeat is irregular.
By the appearance of the baby, you can understand that there may be problems associated with the endocrine organ. The physical condition may be sluggish, the skin dry, and swelling may occur.
Schoolchildren are plagued by drowsiness, inattention, and difficulty concentrating. Such signs often indicate a loss of interest in studying, but they also indicate the possible development of the disease.
When a child's growth lags behind that of his peers. The rate of increase in height per year is approximately 4 cm.
If anemia is present, and iron-containing medications do not produce the expected result, this is a reason to check the condition of the thyroid gland.
Frequent constipation.
Radiation background has increased.

Prevention

For prevention, if the baby is at risk, you need to visit an endocrinologist every six months. Parents need to be patient and sometimes persistent in order to identify the real cause of frequent infectious diseases. By the way, excessive consumption of antibiotics can cause hypothyroidism.

The diet should contain foods containing iodine. In order to drink less pills in the future, it is better to eat food rich in vitamins and minerals.

Food should be varied. Various vitamins are important for normal growth of the body. There are no essential or non-essential vitamins. For example, you don’t need a lot of iodine, the daily dose is approximately 150–300 mg, but if the body does not receive its norm, then health will not be stable. It is much easier to engage in preventive measures than treatment.

You should be careful in cases where parents are dependent on alcohol.

An enlarged thyroid gland in children is diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 12. The congenital disease is observed in only one patient out of 30,000 births. The disease is transmitted from a woman in labor if she suffered from Graves' disease during pregnancy.

A baby suffering from hyperthyroidism initially does not gain the required weight and is delayed in growth development; sometimes they are born prematurely. The baby is easily excitable, very active, suffers from diarrhea, profuse sweating, and is gaining little weight. Over time, the mother's hormones are eliminated from the baby's body without intervention. Therefore, bright signs appear only in the first few weeks of his life.

The disease is recognized by general symptoms that indicate problems with the gland.

The temperature changes frequently.
The presence of diarrhea or constipation, that is, problems with digestion.
Digestive problems can cause weight fluctuations.
Problems falling asleep.
Irritability and lethargy are the results of poor sleep.
It is difficult for a student to concentrate.
The volume of the neck increases in the later stages.

In adolescents with hyperthyroidism, the metabolic process occurs at an accelerated pace, increased activity is observed, and sweating increases. Both weight and mood change frequently.

Increased blood pressure, restless sleep, difficulty falling asleep. A teenager becomes nervously exhausted because the body does not have time to rest during poor sleep.

Hypothyroidism can be congenital or acquired. If decreased organ function is detected at the birth of a baby, a diagnosis of cretinism is made.

The symptoms are as follows:

The little one is lethargic.
There is constipation.
Sucking is very sluggish.
Jaundice goes away slowly.
The temperature is a little low.
Hoarseness of voice.

Normal development of the baby is possible if the problem is identified immediately and treatment is prescribed. This disease is very rare. Statistics say that out of 4,000 babies, only one may have such a pathology. Girls are twice as susceptible to this disease as boys. When the thyroid gland is enlarged, the child most often experiences delayed teething.

Due to disturbances occurring in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, there is a danger of secondary hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of the disease:

tearfulness;
amorphousness, no desire to move, run, jump;
drowsiness;
depressive state.
Obesity appears, hair becomes faded and brittle.

Even 6-year-old patients stop playing outdoor games. For them, studying and knowing simple things is a lot of work.

Adolescents with hypothyroidism exhibit an inert state, without the desire to learn anything, their movements are sluggish, they are uncommunicative with peers, and have poor memory. Physical, mental, and sexual maturation occurs later. Teenage girls have problems with menstrual cycles. Problems with the heart, blood pressure, and nervous twitching of the fingers appear.

If such symptoms are noticed, you should consult an endocrinologist. Treatment of the ailment with special medications will take some time. If you do not engage in treatment, then you need to prepare for a thyrotoxic crisis, heart disease and brittle bone tissue.

One of the known causes of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disease Graves' disease. Graves' disease develops slowly, and symptoms are not noticeable at the initial stage. This disease affects girls more than boys. If there is an unnoticed change in the volume of the thyroid gland, the child may experience: bulging eyes, nervousness, diarrhea, and memory problems.

Teenage children suffer from thyroiditis. Approximately 60% of identified patients had a genetic predisposition to this type of disease. Girls are affected more often than boys, about five times.

At the initial stage, the diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, then hypothyroidism. Signs by which Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be identified at the very beginning: there is a student’s lag, both in academics and in physical growth. Otherwise, the thyroid gland in children exhibits the same symptoms that are characteristic of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Girls suffer from Graves' disease. It can occur together with diabetes and vitiligo.

Endemic goiter occurs due to insufficient iodine intake. Nodular goiter, with this disease, neoplasms can be grouped or single.

The disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, paying close attention to your child will help diagnose the disease in time. If you experience frequent malaise, fatigue, or frequent headaches, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The problem of diseases when the thyroid gland malfunctions in adolescents has been relevant and significant for a very long time. This is connected both with the problem of iodine deficiency, due to which a whole series of thyroid diseases can develop, and with screening for congenital hypothyroidism.

The importance of proper functioning of the thyroid gland for a developing, growing organism is enormous, because the thyroid gland is one of the main endocrine glands. The role of the hormones that this gland produces is varied and affects almost all metabolic processes occurring in the body, the normal functioning of most organs, the growth and development of the fetus, and the formation of the nervous system. If in adolescence there is a lack of thyroid hormones, this can provoke a sharp delay in skeletal growth and affect the maturation of the nervous system.

A favorable prognosis for the physical and mental development of adolescents is possible with timely and correct treatment with thyroid hormones. The earlier the disease is detected, the more successful hormone replacement therapy will be.

Thyroid diseases in adolescents, like most endocrine diseases, have similar symptoms, but adolescence also has its own characteristics, so I would like to dwell on the specifics of pediatric endocrinology.

Sporadic and endemic goiter

The development of these diseases in adolescents occurs almost the same as in adults. The clinical picture of the diseases is also the same. The teenager’s body is actively developing (both anatomically and physically), and requires a normal intake of vitamins, animal and plant proteins, macro- and microelements, and iodine-containing products. If the thyroid gland senses iodine deficiency, it reacts sharply to this with a compensatory increase.

With iodine deficiency in adolescents, cognitive ability may decrease, susceptibility to infectious and non-infectious diseases may increase, and the harmonious formation of personality may be disrupted. The enlarged thyroid gland in adolescents pumps out all the substances it lacks from the body with redoubled force. However, this helps for the time being. So if your child has become distracted, fussy, aggressive, or, conversely, slow and slow-witted, it is worth considering whether his thyroid function is impaired.

If you consult a pediatric endocrinologist in a timely manner, the treatment prognosis is favorable. First, it is recommended to increase the consumption of foods containing iodine: sea fish, seaweed. If, after 1-1.5 years of regular proper nutrition, normalization of the thyroid gland does not occur, the issue of taking thyroid drugs in small doses is resolved. Then the size of the thyroid gland in adolescents will return to normal size in 6–18 months, and medications are no longer needed.

Diffuse toxic goiter

The disease usually manifests itself during puberty. The impetus for the development of thyrotoxicosis can be frequent infectious diseases, exacerbation of chronic infections, often in the nasopharynx. Hereditary predisposition and psychological trauma may play a role.

Most often, thyrotoxicosis develops gradually, but acute development is possible due to infection or psychological trauma. Adolescents, like adults, have mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease. The main clinical manifestation is vegetoasthenoneurotic syndrome: irritability, anxiety, tearfulness, worsening sleep, sweating, fussiness, trembling of the eyelids, fingers, tongue, feeling of heat, changes in handwriting. Possible sudden weight loss with a good appetite, delayed puberty, accelerated growth. Also a symptom of toxic goiter is shiny eyes, rare blinking, swelling of the eyelids.

With timely treatment with thyreostatic drugs (for example, Mercazolil) and beta blockers (such as anaprilin), a noticeable improvement is observed after a few days. The prognosis for the treatment of childhood toxic goiter is favorable. Treatment is carried out only under the supervision of a pediatric endocrinologist or pediatrician. The child needs to limit physical activity and create mental comfort. Food must contain sufficient amounts of proteins and vitamins. And then the enlargement of the thyroid gland in a teenager will stop, and it will return to its size.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you once again: with the exception of congenital severe pathologies of the thyroid gland, most diseases associated with it in adolescents are easily preventable and treatable. If the disease is detected in a timely manner, there is a high probability of maintaining the health of children and adolescents.

Hypoplasia of the thyroid gland is a term denoting congenital underdevelopment of the organ, namely congenital. After all, if malfunctions in the thyroid gland begin to appear in adulthood, we are talking about atrophy, not hypoplasia.

Underdevelopment of tissues is sometimes unilateral, and sometimes bilateral. In any case, the lack of the hormones that it produces leads to unwanted developmental abnormalities.

In this article we will consider the causes, symptoms of thyroid hypoplasia, treatment of this anomaly in adolescents and children, as well as what will happen if the disease is not treated.

Structure and functions of the thyroid gland

In the fetus, thyroid tissue develops at 4-6 weeks of pregnancy. Gland cells (thyrocytes) produce 2 important substances: triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine. These elements are needed for metabolic processes, for the growth and development of the body, for the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

The gland consists of right and left lobes connected by an isthmus. The organ is located under the larynx and is attached to the trachea by a special tissue - connective tissue.

The upper horns of the lobes are narrow, diverging and high. And the lower ones are short and wide. The thyroid gland is sometimes called the butterfly gland, it's all about its shape. In an adult man, the normal volume of the gland is up to 25 ml, and in women it is lower - up to 18 ml. The weight of the gland ranges from 15-30 g. All activities of the organ are controlled by brain structures such as the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

Its cells are constantly at work, maintaining normal hormonal levels in the body. The slightest changes in hormonal levels lead to metabolic disorders.

What processes in the body is iron responsible for? Its functions:

Ensures the development of the nervous system in children.
Hormones increase the strength and speed of heart contractions.
Thyroxine reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood in adults.
Provides energy for muscle function.
Maintains constant body temperature.
Provides stress resistance of the body.
Affects protein synthesis.
Her work affects sexual functions during adolescence.

The cause of the pathology in most cases is a lack of thyroid hormones in the mother during pregnancy. Perhaps the woman had some gland dysfunction associated with iodine deficiency, and this led to hypoplasia in the fetus.

Poor environmental conditions greatly impair the functioning of the thyroid gland in adult women of childbearing age. This also affects the health of the fetus. But it happens that the anomaly is typical for the family and the cause is heredity.

Degrees of abnormal development

Underdevelopment of the organ in children is more common in mild cases. But there is also a severe degree, when the body is acutely lacking thyroid hormones. How to determine how disrupted the thyroid gland is? Hypoplasia of the left lobe, with a normally developed right, or vice versa, is not a very serious pathology. Anomalies in development may not appear at all in childhood. Signs will appear later - in the puberty period of development. Hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in adolescents under 15 years of age is most often diagnosed as unilateral. Since the two-sided one is immediately noticeable. Literally 3-4 weeks after birth, the child weakens due to an acute lack of hormones.

Lack of hormones in a child

What does a malfunctioning thyroid gland lead to? Hypoplasia in a child can cause many developmental abnormalities.

Congenital anomalies, in particular hypoplasia, disrupt the development of bones and internal organs in a child and affect the development of the nervous system. The lack of important hormones also affects the mental development of the child.

If grade 2 hypoplasia is detected, then disturbances are noticeable already in infancy. The child does not eat well and has a swollen face. Such a baby does not respond to sounds, he moves little and looks lethargic. To normalize the baby’s development processes, it is necessary to begin treatment immediately.

What other physiological processes are affected by thyroid hypoplasia in children? Such young patients have muscle hypotonia, delayed psychomotor development, and impaired bone growth.

Hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in adolescents is not so pronounced. Teenagers often complain of weakness and drowsiness, but we will discuss this below.

Acute lack of hormones

In case of acute insufficiency of thyroid function, the newborn baby remains jaundiced for a long time. His face and body are extremely swollen. Such a child is born very large - weighing more than 4 kg. Previously, when there was no hormone replacement therapy, these children developed cretinism. They developed poorly and were not adapted to society.

They later learn to walk and speak poorly. And due to swelling of the inner ear, which is a common complication of this disease, they may lose their hearing. Externally, these children look like this: they have a disproportionately small body compared to a large head, and a large swollen belly with an incorrectly located and poorly healed navel. They are absolutely incapable of studying in a normal school. But now all this is being treated.

Signs of hypoplasia during puberty

Underdevelopment of the thyroid gland can make itself felt when secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop, namely in adolescence.

Parents should notice drowsiness and strange apathy that was not previously characteristic of the teenager. There may be problems with the development of secondary sexual characteristics or hearing loss.

Signs of thyroid hypoplasia at this period of children's development:

fast fatiguability;
poor memory and, accordingly, learning problems;
low temperature, loss of strength;
constipation;
lack of normal appetite.

There are still some distinctive symptoms of thyroid hypoplasia in adolescents. Such a child is usually shorter and weaker than his peers. In the mental sphere, the problem is manifested by a depressed depressive state and lack of self-confidence.

Consequences of hypoplasia for a teenager

Adolescents who were born with a mild form of pathology (physiological underdevelopment of the right or left lobe) will begin to show some signs of a lack of thyroid hormone. At this time, when the body is being rebuilt, the need for hormones increases disproportionately. But since a poorly developed thyroid gland does not cope well with this task, the student will experience many problems.

Hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in a 17-year-old teenager is an already advanced problem. He will not only lag behind his classmates in physiological development, but will also suffer from psychological complexes. After all, an abnormality of the gland affects the ability to play sports and ability to study. And what is most painful for this age is in the genital area.

Long-term, unexamined hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in adolescents leads to problems in adulthood. One common consequence may be heart failure. If the hormonal sphere suffers more from a lack of functions, then the teenager may not have children in the future.

Where to go with such a problem?

All diseases and anomalies of organ development are examined by an endocrinologist. If parents suspect hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in a teenager, he should be urgently taken for examination. The endocrinologist determines the norm of thyroid-stimulating hormones for each person individually, because the norms are different depending on weight and height, and then he prescribes medications. Usually, when there is not enough hormones, the doctor will first order an examination to understand how serious the deficiency is. And only then prescribes hormonal medications.

Diagnostics

You can find out about abnormal development of the thyroid gland by doing an ultrasound. This is a safe study and the most informative, which provides all the necessary information: the size of the gland, the degree of its underdevelopment.

The second thing doctors need to make a diagnosis is to look at the level of thyroid hormone in the blood. If it is not enough, then the body definitely has problems with the thyroid gland. Usually, a few days after birth, a couple of drops of blood are taken from the baby and the indicators are looked at: TSH, T3, T4. A blood test from the placenta is taken from the pregnant woman to determine the level of thyroxine in the fetus.

The teenager may also be sent for tests such as a thyroid tissue biopsy. And, of course, the fastest way to check is palpation. Hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in adolescents under 16 years of age and older can be detected by touch. If one lobe is smaller than the other, or both lobes are slightly reduced compared to normal, then it makes sense to prescribe a blood test.

Lack of T3 and T4. Complications

Let us list the most dangerous complications that can occur due to a long-term lack of thyroid-stimulating hormones: T3, T4.

hearing loss;
infertility;
heart failure;
bradycardia;
disproportionate body, dwarfism;
in girls, menstrual irregularities;
constant hypothermia;
renal failure.

Separately, it is necessary to mention the effect of the anomaly on the functioning of the heart. From a lack of the hormone, arterial tone increases, vascular resistance increases, and stroke volume decreases. Doctors often register a too slow heart rate in adolescents with hypoplasia of the thyroid gland. This is called bradycardia. All these factors are very dangerous for the heart. Although not only low levels of the hormone are dangerous, but also high levels.

Help from adults to teenagers with hypoplasia

The very first help a parent can provide is to calm the child. He must know that his condition is not very different from the norm, that it is not for life, but only a temporary illness. After all, with the help of hormone replacement therapy, the body restores all its functions.

But you cannot blame your son or daughter for poor performance at school. After all, such a teenager “slipped” in his studies not because of laziness, but because of his health condition.

Such a teenager needs good sleep and adequate exercise. He should not experience severe stress, otherwise the thyroid gland will work even worse than before. After all, the psyche and level of stress resistance are strongly related to thyroid hormones.

Prognosis for hypoplasia in a teenager

Nowadays, underdevelopment of gland tissue is not a complex medical problem. And if the anomaly is discovered in childhood, then there will be no difficulties with treatment. The prognosis for hypoplasia of the thyroid gland, the treatment of which has already begun, is very favorable. But the situation will worsen if the teenager came for the study after some irreversible changes had accumulated in the body. Such as heart and metabolic problems.

Prevention is a well-chosen diet that contains a sufficient amount of iodine. For treatment, it is necessary to constantly take hormones in the form of tablets. L-thyroxine should be taken only in the doses prescribed by your doctor. If you take it irregularly, the teenager is at risk of hormonal surges, which will cause mental problems.

Doctors advise taking medications with iodine, and the mother needs to start the course before planning a pregnancy.

In addition to hormone replacement therapy, constant physical exercise is necessary. The best exercise is considered to be gymnastics or jogging in the morning - 2 or 3 times a week. It will be useful to conduct a course of massage to raise the emotional background and eliminate muscle hypotension.

For hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in adolescents under 13 years of age, it is important to send them to the sea every year, or better yet, 2 times a year, so that they inhale a lot of iodized sea air. Doctors also recommend regular therapeutic inhalations.

Nutrition

Note that T3 has 3 iodine atoms and is called triiodothyronine. And T4 - respectively 4 atoms and is called tetraiodothyronine.

If hypoplasia of the thyroid gland is detected in a teenager, he needs to eat a lot of kelp - seaweed and seafood. Buckwheat is a useful cereal. Fruits such as persimmons and prunes, as well as spinach vegetables, contain quite a lot of iodine. You need to eat carrots, eggplants, beets. Moreover, it is better to steam vegetables so that the beneficial substances are retained in the composition.

Let us remember that 90% of all iodine enters the body through food. Without this microelement, the body is not saturated with energy and weakens.

But there are products that are contraindicated for thyroid abnormalities. You should not eat sweets: pastries, cakes, carbonated juices with sugar and baked goods made from white flour.

conclusions

It can be concluded that hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in adolescents and young children causes serious developmental abnormalities.

The production of hormones by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus is controlled, which signal the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

Treatment largely depends on changing the diet, establishing a work and rest schedule. When a sharp drop in hormone levels is detected, an endocrinologist prescribes L-thyroxine. Without hormone replacement therapy, the teen will have future health problems such as heart failure and infertility.