Thyroid Symptoms and Problems in Children - Tests and Diagnosis

When thyroid problems come to mind, the image is usually that of an adult. Although millions of adults suffer from some form of thyroid disease, children under the age of 15 years old actually make up approximately five percent of all diagnosed thyroid disease. Knowing the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease in children will help the parent to recognize thyroid disease and get medical testing and treatment early.

Signs and Symptoms:

Sleep Patterns:

At the onset, a parent may notice a change in the child's sleep patterns, such as:

• Child may be tired all the time


• May sleep longer


• Trouble falling asleep

Additionally, a child who does not nap any longer as when they were younger, may begin taking naps again. Any rapid change in sleep pattern should alert the parent that a pediatric visit is in order.

Changes in Weight:

If you begin to notice the child rapidly gaining weight, this could be indicative of an underactive thyroid gland. However, there could be other factors involved to explain the sudden weight gain. Children are known to put on weight just before a growth spurt. In addition to this, a look at what the child is eating can offer clues to the weight gain. If you an find no other reasons for the weight increase, contact the child's pediatrician for consultation and testing for a thyroid disorder.

Growth:

In children with undiagnosed thyroid disease, there will appear to be a halt in growing taller. A child who fails to grow is more likely to have thyroid disease than the child who has a sudden increase in weight. A child who is short but the parents are tall, a thyroid problem may be the culprit.

Children and Underactive Thyroid:

Underactive thyroid is marked by low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. This will have the effect of a slow metabolism which results in weight gain, constipation, and feelings of being overly tired, as well as sleep disturbances, and hair loss. Another concern is delayed puberty. Therefore, blood testing is needed to determine the cause for these symptoms.

Children And Overactive Thyroid:

The other end of the spectrum, relative to hypothyroid disease, is the overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by the over production of thyroid hormones in the blood. The child may be more energetic and accident prone. There may be signs of inability to pay attention in educational endeavors, and signs of anxiety. Other signs include rapid heart rate and complaints of being unable to breathe normally. These symptoms need to be evaluated as quickly as possible to determine if it is hyperthyroidism, and to rule out any other more dangerous conditions.

Tests and Dignosis:

The most common tests performed are:

Blood testing for thyroid function.

Nuclear Scan / Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAI-U): Determines can if a person has Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, or thyroiditis.
CT Scan: Helps to detect and diagnose a goiter, or larger thyroid nodules.
MRI / Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Shows the size and shape of the thyroid
Thyroid Ultrasound: Detects if it is a cyst filled with fluid, or a solid tissue mass

Fine Needle Biopsy Aspiration:

Also known as fine needle aspiration (FNA) evaluates lumps, cysts, and nodules. A thin needle is inserted directly into the cyst to extract cells are withdrawn and checked for cancer. Ultra sound is used to ensure the placement of the needle into the cyst or nodule.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT