Thyroid symptoms in children. The child has an enlarged thyroid gland: degrees, main causes and symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Toddlers thyroid plays important role in the body. It is responsible for both mental and physical development. When there are malfunctions in the work of the secret, this negatively affects health. With complications of a complex type, manifestation of cretinism is possible.

Sometimes a teenager may have an enlarged thyroid gland. There are various reasons for this. What should parents do in this case if the child has an increase thyroid gland cause negative symptoms?

About why the thyroid gland increases, what it can lead to if treatment is not started in time, as well as methods of prevention and treatment - all this will be discussed in the article.

If in a child this secret produces an insufficient amount of hormones or their increased concentration is observed, then this can adversely affect his general condition. Sometimes such a pathology at first is able to proceed without severe symptoms.

If such a disease is not detected in time and its treatment is not started, then in the future a person will have to take certain drugs throughout his life to maintain the hormonal background.

The main causes of an enlarged thyroid gland in adolescents are:

Bad ecology.
Lack of iodine in the body.
Stress.
Increased level of radiation.

It is possible to accurately determine the pathology in the organ only in a clinic during the passage complete examination and using modern equipment.

At the same time, it is important for parents to understand that when the first negative symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and not self-medicate.

The thyroid gland can produce these types of hormones:

thyroxin.
Triiodothyronine.
Calcitonin.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland in a child: causes

The main reasons that can provoke an increase in the thyroid gland in children include the following:

Inadequate intake of iodine. It is found in many foods, and therefore you need to eat properly and balanced.
Bad ecology.
Improper nutrition during gestation.
Heredity.

Organ diseases

At a young age, you can meet the manifestation of such ailments due to disruption of the thyroid gland:

Hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism.

If the thyroid gland in a child is enlarged, then it is important not to miss the moment of diagnosis and treatment for early stage pathology. This is the only way to avoid the manifestation of pathologies and complications that can negatively affect the mental and physical development baby.

Doctors say that even a slight decrease in the amount of hormones that this organ produces at a young age will lead to impaired brain activity. Hormones also regulate metabolism, allowing you to turn food into energy, which is important for the functioning of the whole body.

Signs of pathology

Parents themselves can determine the presence of a diseased organ in a child. To do this, they only need to constantly monitor their child. You can determine the disease by the following signs:

The baby often gets sick, as his immune system is weakened, and the body cannot fight infections on its own. If there is not enough iodine in the body, then this negatively affects the elimination of bacteria.
The work of the myocardium is not rhythmic.
Swelling and lethargy.
Drowsiness and poor concentration.
The child is not growing well.
Anemia.
Constipation.
Temperature.
Bad dream.
Irritability.
Enlarged neck.

It is worth noting that usually the thyroid gland increases in children aged 3 to 12 years. Also, the pathology can be congenital. It is diagnosed immediately after birth. But this rarely happens, since a congenital ailment can manifest itself in one baby out of 30,000.

In a baby with an increase in the thyroid gland, various pathologies will be observed. He will not grow and gain the required weight for his age.

Diagnosis

Timely detected enlarged thyroid gland in adolescents makes it possible to avoid complications. Also, the start of treatment at an early stage guarantees successful disposal of the pathology in a short time.

Diagnosis begins with an examination. If the doctor detects deviations from the norm, then he prescribes additional examinations. This is usually a blood test to determine the amount of hormones in it. An ultrasound or biopsy may also be used.

Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a conclusion, makes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy. Usually, treatment is carried out at home while taking various medications.

Early hypothyroidism

This disease can be acquired or congenital. If the pathology is fixed after birth, then the baby will not be able to develop mentally at the proper level. Often such a child is diagnosed with cretinism.

Symptoms:

Constipation.
Lethargy.
Jaundice.
Hoarseness.
Reduced temperature.

If treatment is started immediately with congenital pathology, then the prognosis will be positive. If the disease is started, then treatment can last a long time. Also, the baby may experience a crisis, which will lead to disruption of the myocardium and bone fragility.

Therapy Tactics

When treating a disease, a child may be prescribed different tactics therapy. It all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease and the child himself. Drugs are prescribed in each case individually. That's why standard methods there is no cure for this disease.

When the pathology passes with complications, an operation may be prescribed. After it, the child is credited with taking hormones to restore balance. Throughout the course of therapy, it is also important to follow a diet. The diet should contain foods with iodine.

Preventive actions

If the child belongs to the risk group, then he should visit a doctor for examination twice a year. At the same time, parents should also pay attention to the baby in order to determine the cause. frequent illnesses. You do not need to take a lot of antibiotics for ailments, as this can cause hypofunction of the organ.

You need to reconsider the diet of the baby. He will need products with a high content of iodine in the composition. Food should be rich in vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that an enlarged thyroid gland in a baby can cause serious complications and consequences if it is not treated on time. Sometimes, with untimely treatment, a child is diagnosed with cretinism.

Therefore, it is important for parents to constantly monitor their baby and changes in his health. When the first negative symptoms appear, you should immediately contact the clinic and do not treat yourself.

If the child eats right, then there is every chance that he will not get sick with such an ailment, if he is not of the congenital type. Knowing these points, everyone will be able to draw conclusions for themselves and, if necessary, make the right decision.

The main function of the thyroid gland is to maintain homeostasis (the ability of the body to maintain and regulate the constancy internal environment). The activity of the thyroid gland is direct influence on the general state health, including appearance and mood, as well as on all metabolic processes occurring in the body.

The influence of thyroid hormones on the growth and development of the child

Three hormones are synthesized in this organ: triiodothyronine, thyroxine and calcitonin. control the processes of growth and maturation of organs and tissues, regulate energy and metabolic functions, calcitonin is involved in the development bone apparatus. That's why The thyroid gland in children plays one of the main roles in the body.. Dysfunction of this gland significantly delays the development of the central nervous system, adversely affects overall physical development - it is unfavorable for the body as excessive production of hormones, but insufficient synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine is much more dangerous, because in this case cretinism develops (congenital).

Determining the level of hormones is one of the methods for diagnosing disorders of the functioning of this organ, and the norm of the thyroid gland in children changes with age and differs significantly from the level of hormones in adults. Usually, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland (TSH), which is responsible for the regulation of hormone synthesis in the thyroid gland, is examined. If the TSH test reveals abnormalities, other thyroid hormones in children are also examined: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Newborn screening for thyroid disease

Determining the level of thyroid hormones today is included in the list of screening studies performed by all newborns even before discharge from the maternity hospital. The normal development of a child with insufficient production of the hormone is possible, but requires the immediate appointment of replacement therapy, which will have to be carried out for life.

For full-term newborns, the range of TSH values is quite wide - from 1.3 to 16 mIU / l. For month old baby 0.9 - 7.7 mIU / l is considered normal, and in schoolchildren the reference range is already compared with indicators in adults - from 0.6 to 5.5 mIU / l. The decline in TSH levels with age is normal. At the same time, the level of T4 remains relatively stable throughout life.

Common thyroid disorders in children

Today, thyroid diseases in children are becoming more common. This is facilitated by the constant deterioration of the environment and iodine deficiency in food and water. Iodine is a key element in chemical composition thyroid hormones. In conditions of iodine deficiency in the body, functional insufficiency of this organ occurs. The consequences of iodine deficiency in the prenatal period are especially terrible. The lack of this substance threatens with miscarriages, congenital anomalies of the fetus.

In children, the same diseases occur as in adults:

. According to statistics, one child out of four thousand newborns is born with this disease. Girls suffer from hypothyroidism twice as often as boys. The disease occurs when there is damage or congenital anomalies, underdevelopment of the thyroid gland. The resulting deficiency of thyroid hormones affects the growth of all organs, especially the brain suffers. The intellectual development of a child with congenital hypothyroidism directly depends on the age at which replacement therapy was started. If the treatment of hypothyroidism is carried out already in the first month of birth, then it is possible to predict the mental development of the child within the normal range.
All newborns are now screened for thyroid problems as early as maternity hospital in almost all countries of the world according to WHO recommendations.
. Thyroid dysfunction associated with an excess of thyroid hormone synthesis leads to the acceleration of many processes. This leads to increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, sweating, trembling and twitching of the limbs and eyelids, rapid weight loss, tearfulness, irritability and sleep disturbances.
Hyperthyroidism is treated with drugs that suppress thyroid function. In advanced cases, the child may experience a thyroid storm, bone problems, and heart disease.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The cause of the disease is an immune disorder, as a result of which the body begins to produce antibodies that reduce thyroid function. The disease manifests itself as a sudden slowdown in growth in a child and the formation of a goiter. The thyroid gland, which is constantly negatively affected by aggressive agents, “gives” characteristic symptoms in children with Hashimoto's thyroid. The most common complaints are: fatigue, dryness skin, sensitivity to cold, lethargy, weight gain. The use of hormone replacement therapy throughout life can alleviate unpleasant symptoms.

Methods for examining a child with thyroid pathology

Early diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in children is of great importance. Apart from laboratory tests hormone levels, diagnosis should include instrumental methods: MRI, and ultrasound of the thyroid gland to the child. These studies make it possible to identify pathology at an early stage, which is expressed in a change in the volume and size of the gland, to detect seals in the parenchyma of the organ. The consistency of the thyroid tissue, the presence of nodules, an enlarged thyroid gland in a child can be determined using tactile probing with fingers (palpation).

Many thyroid diseases in children are easily treatable in the early stages and have a very favorable prognosis for the health of the child and his social adaptation in future. These patients should be treated by qualified pediatric endocrinologist, with experience in the treatment of children and adolescents suffering from thyroid diseases.

According to statistics, half of the world's population has health problems associated with the thyroid gland.

In some, especially unfavorable, from the point of view of ecology, areas, this figure reaches 95%.

Unfortunately, pathological abnormalities in the work of this body, recent times are often diagnosed in children.

Therefore, it is important to know their main symptoms and predispositions in order to recognize and prevent them in time.

Numerous stresses, poor environmental conditions, various infections can cause disease. What factors are especially critical for the thyroid gland?

Heredity

Predisposition to abnormalities in the work of the thyroid gland has the ability to be transmitted at the genetic level.

iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is the most serious factor disease-causing thyroid gland.

This element is necessary for the good functioning of this body.

Iodine deficiency can cause a decrease in intelligence, the growth of this gland and the appearance of nodes in it.

In children with a lack of iodine in the body, physical development slows down.

stressful situations

Stress is everywhere. They can provoke one or another disease. Thyroid disease is no exception. In a stressful situation, some hormones are produced more than necessary, and with a lack of others, their deficiency occurs. There is a malfunction in the functioning of the body systems and, as a result, a disease.

Bad ecology

The level of radiation does not have the best effect on the thyroid gland. The people living in radioactive zones, more often neoplasms occur.

All these factors together or separately cause thyroid disease not only in adults but also in children. It is important to know about them in order to protect yourself and your child from diseases.

Types of thyroid disease in children

When enough high level development of medicine in modern world doctors often encounter advanced forms of thyroid disease. What hinders the detection of these diseases at an early stage? Perhaps the lack of awareness of adults about the symptoms that cause these diseases?

Consider what types of diseases can develop in childhood.

In childhood, such diseases of the thyroid gland are often observed:

hyperthyroidism;
hypothyroidism;
diffuse goiter;
thyroiditis.

How do these diseases manifest themselves?

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) in children - symptoms

With this disease, the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine increases. Children 3-12 years of age most often suffer from thyrotoxicosis. Hyperthyroidism can be recognized by the following symptoms:

fever;
increased sweating;
a sharp increase or decrease in body weight;
tachycardia;
aggressiveness, imbalance.

Do you know that nodular goiter thyroid gland can sometimes turn into oncology? This link gives detailed description of this pathology and methods of diagnosis of the disease.

Hypothyroidism

This disease consists in a decrease in the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

It is detected quite late due to the fact that the symptoms are not obvious. Hypothyroidism is characterized by the following symptoms:

fast fatiguability;
inattention;
sleep disturbance;
weight gain;
pallor, puffiness.

Graves' disease (diffuse goiter)

Teenagers suffer from Graves' disease quite often. Symptoms to watch out for parents:

the so-called bulging eyes;
increased heartbeat;
weight loss;
sweating;
nervousness.

Graves' disease (another name for the disease) is usually treated for at least a year.

For the patient, infections, stress, physical exercise, as they can provoke an increase in symptoms up to a thyrotoxic crisis.

Thyroiditis

These diseases make up a small percentage of all thyroid diseases. The nature of the origin of thyroiditis can be as follows:

Thyroiditis is divided into:

spicy;
subacute;
fibrous;
lymphomatous.

Cause acute thyroiditis are infection, intoxication, trauma. The disease is rarely diagnosed at an early stage because initial symptoms- sore throat, hoarseness of voice, lethargy are not characteristic. The period of manifestation of the main signs of thyroiditis - fever, tachycardia, thickening of the thyroid gland lasts up to 2-3 months.

Subacute thyroiditis is enough rare disease. It often develops as a complication after a viral infection.

It is characterized the following symptoms:

soreness and enlargement of the thyroid gland;
fever;
irritability;
cardiopalmus.

Fibrous thyroiditis is rare.

It is manifested by such symptoms as - difficulty breathing and swallowing, the voice becomes hoarse, a cough appears.

The most common is lymphomatous thyroiditis. This is due to the fact that in our time there is a deterioration in the environmental situation. Girls suffer from this disease much more often than boys. In lymphomatous thyroiditis, the thyroid gland increases in size. This is hallmark this disease.

Adults should know the types of thyroid diseases that manifest themselves in childhood, and the signs characteristic of them. But in no case should you self-medicate.

Mandatory consultation with an endocrinologist and the strict implementation of all his recommendations for examination and subsequent treatment.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis is extremely important in identifying diseases of this organ. Most often, it depends on the attentiveness of loved ones.

You should pay attention to the following symptoms in a child:

protrusion in the neck;
complaints of fatigue, weakness;
sleep disorders;
inattention, nervousness, tearfulness;
the appearance of shortness of breath;
a sharp decrease or increase in weight;
cardiopalmus.

If a child has any of these signs, you should immediately contact a specialist - an endocrinologist, to conduct necessary research. Great value to make the correct diagnosis, they have timely tests for hormones. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland should also be ordered.

Diseases of such a vital organ as the thyroid gland are currently quite common among people. different ages. Children are also subject to them. Timely diagnosis and competent treatment provide a favorable prognosis and avoid irreversible consequences.

To detect the disease at an early stage, with the slightest changes in the behavior, appearance and state of health of the child, it is necessary to consult a doctor who, on the basis of research, will make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Thyroid diseases in children, the symptoms of which do not appear immediately, should be detected using modern diagnostic methods.

The degree of enlargement of the gland and the mass of the organ by age

An enlarged thyroid gland in a child is called a goiter. During the examination of the patient, the doctor not only visually assesses the appearance of the neck, but also palpates the gland, thereby determining the degree of growth.

Table 1. Degrees of thyroid enlargement in children:

Growth degree	What is characterized?
Zero	Thyroid normal sizes, the child does not reveal any complaints, during examination and palpation, no changes in the organ are observed
First	Visually, the enlargement of the gland is not noticeable, but on palpation, the doctor notes that the thyroid gland is slightly enlarged in size.
Second	Outwardly, the enlargement of the gland is not noticeable, but it is well felt on palpation of the neck (see). If the doctor asks the child to tilt his head back, but a slight protrusion of the gland is clearly visible in the larynx
Third	Protrusion of the gland is noticeable during visual examination, palpation only confirms the diagnosis
Fourth	The thyroid gland grows significantly, which leads to a change in the contours of the neck

Depending on the age of the child, iron changes in size and mass, so it is important to know when its increase is a physiological feature.

Table 2. Weight of the thyroid gland of a child by age:

Important! The maximum activity of the organ is observed at 5-6 years and in puberty(puberty), so if the thyroid gland is enlarged in a child of 6 years old, then this is not always a symptom of the disease and a reason for parents to panic, but you still need to check.

Symptoms and signs of overgrowth of the thyroid gland in children

An enlarged thyroid gland in a child is not noticeable at the initial stage, so parents may not immediately sound the alarm and take the baby to an endocrinologist.

You should be alerted by the appearance of some symptoms, which in most cases indicate a malfunction in the thyroid gland, namely:

jumps in body temperature that are not associated with a cold - often with disorders in the thyroid gland, a child may experience unreasonable drops in temperature to 36.0-35.8 degrees or, conversely, its increase to 37.0-37.4 degrees;
frequent violations by digestive function- constipation, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence;
constant drowsiness - the child sleeps for 10-12 hours, but at the same time looks tired and lethargic all the time;
weight changes - against the background of normal appetite, the child is gaining weight or losing weight;
impaired concentration, restlessness, absent-mindedness - schoolchildren may begin to lag behind in academic performance and not memorize new information;
shortness of breath, the appearance of edema.

As the growth of the gland in the neck area progresses, a protrusion will be clearly visible.

Important! Described clinical symptoms may well be signs of diseases of the stomach, heart, nervous system, therefore, in no case do not self-medicate, but be sure to go to the doctor. Thyroid disorders are treated by an endocrinologist.

Thyroid diseases in children

Hypertrophy of the thyroid gland develops as a result of many factors, but the most common are:

a decrease in the production of hormones or, conversely, an increase in their amount in the blood;
transferred infectious diseases;
injuries received in the neck and larynx;
tumor formations (benign and malignant);
diseases of the gland - thyroiditis, Graves' disease.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland, which manifests itself in a reduced production of hormones by the body. As a result of this, the gland begins to increase in size to compensate for the lack of hormones. There are primary and secondary hypothyroidism, while the primary is still congenital (cretinism) and acquired - associated with disorders in the work of the gland.

Secondary hypothyroidism develops against the background of disorders in the work of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Clinically, hypothyroidism in children is manifested by the following symptoms:

drowsiness and lethargy, lethargy;
tearfulness, depressed mood;
swelling;
dull hair and brittle nails;
memory impairment, poor assimilation of information;
decreased body temperature;
digestive problems - constipation, bloating, flatulence.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland in adolescent girls associated with hypothyroidism in almost every case is accompanied by menstrual irregularities.

Hyperthyroidism

With hyperthyroidism, a child has an increased production of hormones, which also negatively affects the body. Most often, this disease is detected in children from 3 years until puberty.

Clinically, hyperthyroidism is manifested by the following symptoms:

increased activity and hyper excitability;
subfebrile body temperature without any signs of a viral infection;
elevated blood pressure;
rapid pulse;
poor sleep and mood swings;
increased sweating.

An enlarged thyroid gland in adolescent girls against the background of hyperthyroidism provokes serious disruptions and menstrual irregularities, and can also cause nervous exhaustion as a result of the fact that the teenager sleeps little and is constantly in a state of excitement. In severe cases, it is possible to develop hormonal toxicosis - thyrotoxicosis.

Thyroiditis

When a child has an enlarged thyroid gland against the background of infectious diseases or neck herbs, then they talk about thyroiditis, or inflammation of the gland. This pathology can develop even after untreated tonsillitis, so it is extremely important to treat everything correctly and in a timely manner inflammatory processes throat and other internal organs.

Thyroiditis is characterized by immune system begin to produce antibodies that destroy thyroid cells, while the child first develops hypothyroidism, which gradually develops into hyperthyroidism. In girls, this disease occurs several times more often than in boys.

The first signs of thyroiditis are fatigue and forgetfulness - the child begins to study poorly at school, does not remember new information, becomes lethargic and apathetic. As you progress pathological process symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are added.

The video in this article goes into more detail about the factors that can contribute to the development of thyroid disorders in children - this information is introductory and cannot replace the consultation of an endocrinologist if necessary.

Basedow's disease

This thyroid disease belongs to the category of autoimmune, and most often it develops in adolescents aged 14-15 years. The main impetus for the development of this pathology is hormonal changes - there are symptoms characteristic of the disease: bulging eyes, fatigue, constant mood swings, irritability, problems in the cardiovascular system.

Tumor formations and nodes in the thyroid gland

Nodular formations in the thyroid gland are practically not clinically manifested in any way, in most cases they are diagnosed by chance, during palpation or ultrasound. With the formation of tumors of a benign or malignant nature, the child first of all complains of the difficulty of swallowing food and the sensation of a lump in the throat.

Important! Identification of nodes and formations in the thyroid glands require regular control, if their increased growth is observed, then the doctor decides on cardinal methods of therapy - surgical removal thyroid or part of a gland.

Diagnostics

Children who are genetically predisposed to thyroid diseases should be periodically shown to an endocrinologist, parents must definitely monitor the baby's condition and, if symptoms of disorders in the organ's functioning appear, do not hesitate to visit a specialist. The earlier deviations in work and thyroid diseases are diagnosed, the more successful the prognosis, otherwise the child may develop severe consequences up to coma and death.

If you find one or more of the symptoms described above, show the child to an endocrinologist. During the initial visit, the doctor very carefully examines the child's neck, palpates the gland, notes that there are seals in the organ, changes in the shape and size of the gland. Further mandatory method diagnostics of disorders in the work of the thyroid gland are blood tests for hormones - T3, T4 and TSH.

Determine the size of the organ and the presence of nodular formations in the gland will help ultrasound procedure– it is absolutely painless, has no age restrictions and contraindications and allows you to identify with high accuracy various pathologies. If suspicious areas or tumors are detected during ultrasound, the doctor may prescribe a biopsy for the child - pinching off a piece of tissue for subsequent histological examination. This procedure is highly informative in differential diagnosis benign tumors from malignant.

Thyroid enlargement: should it be treated?

With an enlarged thyroid gland, of course, it is important to determine the causes of tissue growth, the treatment will depend on this. First of all, children with an enlarged thyroid gland are prescribed iodine preparations, the dose of the drug is determined individually, depending on the results of the tests and the characteristics of the patient's body.

With hypothyroidism, drugs are prescribed that raise the level of thyroid hormones to the desired level, with hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, drugs are selected that suppress the activity of the gland and inhibit the production of hormones. Attached to the medicine detailed instructions, which describes how side effects you may encounter during treatment.

Price hormonal drugs for the treatment of the thyroid gland is different - there are cheaper analogues, so ask your doctor how you can replace the remedy if the treatment is expensive, but do not do it yourself.

Important! Never increase or decrease the dose prescribed by your doctor, nor self-medicate. Hormones are a very fine line, breaking which you can bring a lot of problems to the child's body.

When Graves' disease is detected, a child is usually hospitalized and observed until the hormone level is corrected to the desired levels. In case if conservative treatment does not lead to the expected results, and the thyroid gland continues to grow in size, the child undergoes an operation for partial or complete removal glands.

Conclusion

The thyroid gland is an organ normal operation which the child will not be able to fully grow and develop. Mental retardation, frequent colds, weakened immune systems and poor school performance are just a small list of what thyroid problems lead to. The biggest mistake parents make is ignoring symptoms, or worse, self-medicating.

For the prevention of iodine deficiency and the development of thyroid problems against this background, it is important to monitor the health of the child from the prenatal period - the expectant mother should eat right, take vitamins and walk more fresh air. From the first days of life, it is important for a child to receive mother's milk, and if for some reason this is not possible, then - an adapted milk formula and timely complementary foods.

In the diet of a child over 1 year old, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, cereals, vegetables and fruits must be present. With limited nutrition for a child (for financial or some other reasons), it is important to give vitamin complexes during the autumn-spring period.

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

Respiratory and future reproductive function, sleep and the formation of the skeleton 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. Consists of iron 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 endocrine system person.

Why is the thyroid gland enlarged

Enlargement of the thyroid gland (TG) is a change in its size, mass, volume. Among the endocrine childhood diseases, it is thyroid dysfunction that occupies the first place. main reason- insufficient intake of iodine in the child's body during pregnancy and after birth. The period of intrauterine development and the first years of a child's life are considered the most dangerous. Prevention of iodine deficiency is put in the category of state tasks - 60% of the territory of Russia suffers from it.

The reasons for the growth of the thyroid gland are:

Lack of iodine - the thyroid gland increases to produce more hormones Lack of systematic prevention of iodine deficiency in problem areas Poor environmental conditions - children in industrial cities suffer greatly

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

The degree of enlargement of the thyroid gland and its mass

Any growth of the thyroid gland is called a goiter. Probing the gland during the examination and evaluating it visually, the endocrinologist concludes about the degree of growth:

0 - no change in size is detected on palpation, the gland is healthy I - there are no visual changes yet, but enlargement is diagnosed on palpation II - an enlarged thyroid gland is visually noticeable with the head tilted back III - a change in size is visible with the head not tilted back IV and V - the gland is very strong enlarged and changes the contours of the neck

Normal thyroid mass in children of different ages

The maximum active thyroid gland becomes in children 5-7 years old 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 an Overgrowth of the Thyroid

There are several diseases of the thyroid gland, in which its increase occurs. Each of them has its own characteristics. This highlights a series common symptoms, signaling problems in the children's body:

Body temperature becomes either high or low Digestive disorders - constipation, flatulence, increased peristalsis, diarrhea Sleep disturbances - the child sleeps little, becomes irritated. Sleep may require too much time (up to 12 hours) with continued constant lethargy Weight fluctuations - as the thyroid gland regulates metabolic processes, then the child can either lose weight or gain a lot of weight Shortness of breath, swelling Visually noticeable growth of the thyroid gland on late stages School-age children lag behind in their studies, it can be difficult for them to concentrate on tasks

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

Childhood 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, nodes and tumors.

Hypothyroidism

Manifested in a reduced 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 is congenital and acquired. If a child is born with reduced function SHCHZH, then he is diagnosed with cretinism. The disease is found in one child out of 4000, while girls are subject to it 2 times more often than boys. Secondary hypothyroidism occurs due to disorders in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

A child at any age becomes whiny, inactive, edematous, drowsy, depressive. There is an increase in weight, constipation appears, the skin turns pale, the hair grows dull and begins to break. Children under 6 years of age lose interest in games, learning simple things is difficult. Schoolchildren with hypothyroidism lag behind in school, sports, they are inhibited, uncommunicative, have bad memory. Puberty comes later, teenage girls have problems with the menstrual cycle.

Hyperthyroidism

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

In a newborn, hyperthyroidism is initially manifested by reduced weight and height, sometimes children are born prematurely. The baby is very mobile, excitable, he often has diarrhea, he sweats profusely, gains weight poorly. After some time, maternal hormones are independently excreted from the child's body, so these signs are most pronounced in the first weeks of a baby's life.

In children of preschool and school age with hyperthyroidism, there is accelerated exchange substances increased activity, sweating. Mood and weight are very unstable, sleep is poor, blood pressure is high. The child sleeps little, so over time it appears nervous exhaustion and increased fatigue. In puberty, girls go astray menstrual cycle. Perhaps the development of thyrotoxicosis - hormonal intoxication.

Thyroiditis

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

Basedow's disease

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

Nodes and tumors

An enlarged thyroid gland may contain areas of different texture or density. Their nature is good and malignant. A symptom may be difficulty in swallowing and the so-called "lump in the throat." All neoplasms are under constant control.

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 severe consequences.

Diagnosis of changes in the thyroid gland consists in examining the child by an endocrinologist, collecting information and complaints from parents, palpation of the gland. Tests are prescribed for hormone levels (TSH), the amount of iodine in the blood, ultrasound, MRI, and, if necessary, a biopsy is done. The generalized data make it possible to determine the cause of the change in the shape, mass and volume of the thyroid gland, as well as the degree of increase. For newborns, it is planned to detect hypothyroidism 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 provided with normal mental and physical development.

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

Hypothyroidism - drugs are prescribed that raise the level of hormones to the required level Hyperthyroidism - drugs are prescribed that suppress the activity of the thyroid gland. Congenital hyperfunction of the thyroid gland due to disease expectant mother during pregnancy, is not treated. Maternal hormones simply leave the body of the newborn or their activity is suppressed by temporary medication Basedow's disease - a mild form is treated at home, with moderate and severe the child is hospitalized. With a strong increase in the thyroid gland, part of it can be removed

Our expert comments

The thyroid gland is an organ, without the normal functioning of which the full development of a child of any age is impossible. Dementia, developmental delay, poor academic performance, problems with the heart, bones and future childbearing, nervousness, excess weight This is caused by thyroid disease. It is caused by many reasons, but the main one is the lack of iodine.

To identify problems, you must carefully monitor the behavior of the child and visit the endocrinologist annually. The sooner deviations are detected, the more effective will be treated. Self-medication and delaying a visit to the doctor is the biggest mistake of parents.

Mandatory is the prevention of iodine deficiency. In addition to products containing iodine - seafood, milk, meat, buckwheat, vegetables, eggs, greens - the normal functioning of the thyroid gland will be ensured by special iodine-containing vitamin complexes. Only a doctor can prescribe them!

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Enlarged thyroid gland in adolescents: symptoms, prevention, treatment

The first symptoms of thyroid disease in adolescents often go unnoticed, and the problem becomes noticeable when the disease moves to a more dangerous stage.

An annual dispensary examination by an endocrinologist helps to detect pathology at the very beginning of development and start treatment on time.

The thyroid gland is a miniature organ located in the neck, the weight of which is healthy condition barely reaches 30.

Throughout a person's life, it controls the metabolic processes in the body, the activity of tissues and organs.

The quality of the thyroid gland depends on a sufficient amount of iodine, which the body receives from food and water. For its work, iron uses about a third of the total amount of iodine contained in the body.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged in a teenager, this primarily indicates an iodine deficiency.

Features of the thyroid gland in adolescence

Adolescence, accompanied by the process of puberty, begins at about 11–12 years of age.

The thyroid gland in adolescents begins to work with increased activity in order to provide hormones to the growing body. At this time, the thyroid gland may also undergo external changes.

Important: Enlargement of the thyroid gland in adolescents is a fairly common occurrence. This is due to iodine starvation, when the body cannot provide for the increased functional needs of the gland.

Common symptoms of thyroid disease

Enlargement of the thyroid gland in adolescents does not occur from the first day of the disease. This process may be preceded by a long period.

Thyroid gland in adolescents

If the thyroid gland does not cope well with its duties, the symptoms in a teenager are of the following nature:

early sexual development or its delay; growth retardation; dry skin; swelling; hair loss; discomfort and pain in the front of the neck; palpitations; frequent constipation or diarrhea; decreased concentration; nervous conditions; sleep disturbances; weight fluctuations.

Laboratory studies for thyroid diseases

It happens that the thyroid gland in a teenager is slightly enlarged, and it can be difficult to detect pathology by palpation.

Important! Symptoms cannot serve as the only confirmation of the disease.

To make an accurate diagnosis of thyroid disease in adolescents, an extended examination is carried out.

Laboratory methods

total triiodothyronine (T3); free triiodothyronine (T4); total thyroxine; free thyroxine; blood for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); antibodies to thyroglobulin (TG); antibodies to thyroperoxidase. ; biopsy; laryngoscopy.

Instrumental Methods

To diagnose thyroid disease in adolescents, only some types of examinations are required, which are prescribed after an external examination and palpation of the gland.

But it happens that the tests are normal, and the size of the thyroid gland exceeds the normal parameters.

Why is the thyroid gland enlarged in a teenager if hormonal background not violated? It turns out that the problem is the lack of iodine.

Thus, a protective reaction of the body to the deficiency of an important trace element is manifested.

Small thyroid gland what does it mean?

Thyroid disease in adolescence

The thyroid gland in adolescence must produce a certain amount of hormones. Their deficiency or excess leads to the following diseases(code according to ICD-10 / E00-E07):

Hypothyroidism

Low functionality of the thyroid gland, which is accompanied by a lack of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of thyroid disease in teenagers

The reason may be congenital pathology, iodine deficiency states, traumatic injuries of the gland, autoimmune diseases.

violations blood pressure, increase weight, weakness, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, frequent nasal congestion.

Hyperthyroidism

This disease (diffuse toxic goiter) is diagnosed if thyroid hormones are produced in excess in adolescents. The disease has three stages of severity, depending on which symptoms appear.

The following signs indicate that the thyroid gland in adolescents produces an excessive amount of hormones:

increased irritability, excitability; frequent pulse, heart failure; impaired appetite; fatigue; muscle weakness; deterioration of nails, hair, skin.

Prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases

The thyroid gland in adolescence most often lacks iodine, so prevention is aimed at replenishing it.

A specialist can prescribe special dietary supplements and vitamin complexes, but the easiest way out is to replace ordinary salt with iodized salt and eat foods containing iodine: seaweed, fish, shrimp, boiled eggs, baked potatoes, cranberries, prunes.

In order for the thyroid gland to adolescence was provided with the necessary amount of iodine, its daily dose should be 100 mcg per day.

If it is visually clearly visible that the thyroid gland in a teenager is enlarged, what should be done in this case?

Since the symptoms of insufficiency and excess production of hormones look about the same, it is not recommended to try to resolve the issue with iodine-containing drugs and products before testing for thyroid hormones and consulting a specialist.

Thyroid treatment in adolescents depends on the severity of the disease and the results of the examination.

It is aimed at restoring the functionality of the gland by taking drugs with iodine, hormone therapy. Teenage thyroid dysfunction is very treatable.

Thyroid symptoms in children. The child has an enlarged thyroid gland: degrees, main causes and symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Enlargement of the thyroid gland in a child: causes

Organ diseases

Signs of pathology

Diagnosis

Early hypothyroidism

Therapy Tactics

Preventive actions

Conclusion

The influence of thyroid hormones on the growth and development of the child

Newborn screening for thyroid disease

Common thyroid disorders in children

Methods for examining a child with thyroid pathology

Heredity

iodine deficiency

stressful situations

Bad ecology

Types of thyroid disease in children

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) in children - symptoms

Hypothyroidism

Graves' disease (diffuse goiter)

Thyroiditis

Diagnostics

Related video

The degree of enlargement of the gland and the mass of the organ by age

Symptoms and signs of overgrowth of the thyroid gland in children

Thyroid diseases in children

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Thyroiditis

Basedow's disease

Tumor formations and nodes in the thyroid gland

Diagnostics

Thyroid enlargement: should it be treated?

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Thyroiditis

Basedow's disease

Nodes and tumors

Enlarged thyroid gland in adolescents: symptoms, prevention, treatment

Features of the thyroid gland in adolescence

Common symptoms of thyroid disease

Laboratory studies for thyroid diseases

Laboratory methods

Instrumental Methods

Thyroid disease in adolescence

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases