The thyroid gland is an organ of the endocrine system, without which the normal functioning of the body of any person is impossible. If a child has problems with the thyroid gland, then in this case there is a risk of developing dementia, poor academic performance, problems with the cardiovascular system, bone apparatus, and many other troubles. Such pathologies can lead to the fact that in the future the child will not be able to bear children normally, will suffer from nervousness and excess weight.
There are many causes of thyroid problems in children, but most often this occurs against the background of a lack of iodine. To exclude the development of pathologies, it is worth learning more about this organ of the endocrine system, as well as about its normal functioning.
Thyroid norms in children
If we talk about what should be the volume of this endocrineorgan, then in babies under the age of 2 years, it cannot exceed 0.84 ml in volume. By the age of six, the indicators grow to 2.9 ml. With the onset of adolescence, the most rapid growth of the thyroid gland is observed. At the age of 13 to 15 years, the volume of the thyroid gland can be from 6.0 to 8.7 ml. By the age of 15, the volume of the thyroid gland in children can reach up to 11 ml. However, these figures only apply to boys.
Girls' thyroid grows a little faster. By the age of 13, in young women, the volume of the thyroid gland can reach up to 9.5 ml. Upon reaching the age of fifteen, this figure increases to 12.4 ml.
If there is an increase in the norm of the thyroid gland in children, then this may be due to the peculiarity of the structure of the organism of a particular child. If the indicators begin to go beyond the permissible limits, then most often this indicates the development of a particular pathology. In this case, we can talk about both congenital diseases and acquired ailments. It is very important to identify problems in a timely manner and begin treatment.
First of all, it is necessary to diagnose and clarify the state of the child's hormonal background. Also, the doctor should conduct an examination of the structure and volume of the thyroid gland. If a child develops pathologies of the endocrine system at a young age, then, as a rule, the forecasts of doctors are positive.
Stages of thyroid enlargement
If the thyroid gland in children is in a normal state, then its presence is practicallyimpossible to determine by touch. However, there is such a thing as the classification of the size of the goiter. In this case, we are talking about three stages of growth of the endocrine gland:
- Zero stage. In this case, there is practically no increase in the organ. On visual examination, no changes are observed, however, during palpation, the gland may be slightly palpable. At the same time, its value should not exceed the size of the thumbnail.
- The first stage. In the process of palpation of the thyroid gland in children, a noticeable increase is noticeable. However, the external goiter still remains unchanged. The area where the organ is located will be slightly swollen.
- Third stage. In this case, the thyroid gland grows so much that a change in its dimensions becomes noticeable even with a visual examination, and it does not matter in what position the person holds his head. During palpation, the endocrine organ is very easily determined.
There is also another classification of goiter, which was created by Dr. O. V. Nikolaev. He singled out the zero degree, in which it is also impossible to note any changes in the size of the thyroid gland in children. This is followed by the first stage. In this case, the gland is also almost invisible, but on palpation, you can feel some error in the dimensions of the thyroid gland. He also adds a second degree. In this case, the gland will be clearly visible during visual inspection. It is easily palpable, but in this case the shape of the neck remains normal. In the third stage, it is easy to determine the presencethickened neck pathology. However, the patient will not complain of serious discomfort.
Also, Nikolaev distinguishes the fourth stage, during the development of which the neck begins to deform quite strongly. At the same time, the thyroid gland is clearly visible on it. In the fifth stage, the goiter becomes huge. This leads to severe discomfort. The body stops functioning normally. It also negatively affects the work of the digestive system and nearby organs. Patients complain that they cannot eat well, suffer from voice changes and increased shortness of breath.
How to determine the size of the thyroid gland?
When it comes to thyroid disease in children, it is very important to periodically conduct an independent examination of the child in order to identify certain abnormalities. For example, you can try to conduct an independent palpation. To do this, you need to feel each part of the endocrine organ and try to determine its structure. However, it is very difficult to cope with this without minimum skills. Only an endocrinologist can say for sure that children have a thyroid disease.
Ultrasound is recommended. Based on the results of this procedure, it will be possible to say with higher accuracy about changes in the size of the thyroid gland. In some situations, x-rays and computed tomography are performed. Such methods are considered the most highly informative.
Ultrasound
With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to determine the presence ofpathology in the organ of the endocrine system. If the thyroid gland in children is normal, then in this case its shape will differ in even and clear contours. Even a “non-doctor” will not notice any enlarged lymph nodes that are in close proximity to the endocrine organ. Also, studying the results of the study, the specialist pays attention to the dimensions of the parathyroid glands. Their size should be about 4 x 5 x 5 mm. If even the slightest deviation is observed, then in this case the doctor will suspect the disease.
It is worth paying attention to the high echogenicity of this organ and its heterogeneous structure. In this case, experts most often suspect inflammation. The most alarming sign is seals. They may indicate that the child is suffering from a benign process or a malignant tumor.
If, thanks to ultrasound, the doctor has established that the thyroid gland has really increased and exceeds the norm, then in this case he most often diagnoses organ hyperplasia, or the so-called diffuse toxic goiter. If there is a decrease in the thyroid gland, then hypothyroidism is diagnosed. This indicates that the thyroid gland is not functioning properly. If a specialist has identified a hypofunction of the thyroid gland in children, then this indicates an improper production of hormones.
Depending on the clinical picture and the results of the research, the doctor may prescribe the appropriate treatment that will help to cope with the problem more quickly.
Causes of possible pathologies
In order to understand the background of what a particular disease develops, first of all, it is necessary to conduct a study and clarify the level of the three main hormones in the child's body. In this case, we are talking about thyrotropin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. It is these hormones that are responsible for how quickly and efficiently all organs of the human body will form and grow.
Thyrotropic hormone is the most important. It stimulates the thyroid. However, sometimes there are failures in the production of this hormone. It is worth noting that not only the lack of certain components, but also their overabundance has a negative impact on the human body. Therefore, doctors must check the level of thyroid hormones in children.
If we talk about the main reasons why children may have problems with the thyroid gland, then most often diseases appear on the background of:
- bad environment;
- use of substandard or genetically modified foods;
- iodine deficiency;
- development of cysts in the thyroid gland in children;
- failures in the body's defense system;
- genetic predispositions;
- infectious diseases;
- viral infections;
- lack of selenium;
- injuries that the baby could have received in the process of birth.
Thyroid problems in children: symptoms
In this case, the pathology manifests itself identically, as in an adult. Parents of the baby should definitely pay attention to several clear signs thatthe endocrine organ is malfunctioning. First of all, there is a violation of the work of the heart. The rhythm becomes atypical. In order to determine this symptom, you can simply count the number of heartbeats per minute. If parents notice a too fast or, conversely, slow pulse, then you should immediately contact an endocrinologist and check the hormonal background of the child.
It is also worth taking a closer look at how the child looks and behaves. If he became lethargic, lethargic and began to speak slowly, then this may be a sign of problems. Many children have dry skin and frequent dermatitis. In some situations, such indicators also indicate poor-quality work of the thyroid gland.
Some children have developmental delays. It becomes difficult for them to concentrate and study. There is a feeling that the child cannot remember even the most elementary things. If there were no such problems before, then it is quite possible that it is time to visit an endocrinologist.
Hypothyroidism is a pathology due to a lack of hormones
In this case, the child's body is deficient in hormones necessary for the full functioning of the thyroid gland. If this happens to a newborn, it is most likely that the baby's mother did not consume the required amount of iodine during pregnancy.
The danger of such a pathology is highest when it comes to a child under the age of 3 years. The fact is that during this period the baby begins to actively grow and develop mentally. If at such a momenthe begins to suffer from such diseases, this can negatively affect the whole process. After reaching the age of three, such pathologies are not capable of leading to serious changes in the functioning of the central nervous system.
If a child suffers from congenital hypothyroidism, then, as a rule, he is born a little more weight than other babies. Often, childbirth is too long. Children may develop swelling of the face or jaundice, which is difficult to treat. If you do not start immediate treatment before the age of three, then after 3-5 months the baby will have complications. It will start to get worse. Unfortunately, if we are talking about congenital hypothyroidism, then treatment is not possible in this case. The only way out of the situation is to take the missing hormones throughout the rest of your life in order to restore balance in the system.
Hyperthyroidism is a pathology due to an excess of hormones
In this case, the situation is completely opposite. In the process of diagnosis, the child has an increase in the normal level of hormones. As a rule, children in adolescence suffer from such pathologies. If we talk about the symptoms, then the disease is very difficult to identify. And during this period there are numerous changes in the behavior of a teenager. If the child is emotionally unstable or suffers from increased physical activity, then this is worth paying attention to. If a teenager behaves irritably, malnourished and inattentive, then in this case there is a possibility of developingthyroid pathology. Hyperthyroidism sometimes manifests itself in newborn babies. But it usually goes away on its own after a few months. The later the child encountered this pathology, the more difficult it will be to treat.
Thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease
This pathology develops against the background of processes in the autoimmune system, when antibodies begin to be produced in the body that attack the endocrine organ. This leads to severe inflammation. The child may be predisposed to this pathology against the background of heredity. However, severe stress can also provoke thyroiditis, when the body's protective functions begin to malfunction.
Nodes and tumors
Sometimes there are additional structures on the thyroid gland that differ from neighboring tissues in their density. Nodules in the thyroid gland in children can be a sign of both benign and malignant tumors.
If we talk about the main symptoms of a neoplasm, then you should pay attention to whether the child has problems swallowing. If he complains of a so-called lump in his throat, then you should visit a doctor.
Treatment
The sooner the doctor can identify the pathology, the more successful the therapy will be. As a rule, in the treatment of the thyroid gland in children, drugs containing iodine are primarily used. The dosage of medicines and the scheme for taking them is developed by the doctor.
If a child is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, then in this case, hormone therapy will be requireddrugs. With hyperthyroidism, it is necessary to establish the work of the endocrine organ itself. With congenital pathologies, you can only stop unpleasant symptoms and prevent serious complications. It will not be possible to completely cure the thyroid gland.
It is not worth carrying out therapeutic measures at home without a preliminary examination by a specialist. Problems with the endocrine gland can quickly develop into a serious pathology. If the wrong treatment is prescribed, the child will lose precious time.
