Understanding Children’s Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Table of Contents

Generally, the incidence of hyperthyroidism in children is low, accounting for only about 5% of all patients. The most common age of hyperthyroidism is between 7 and 14 years old, with more girls than boys, with a ratio of about 5:1.

The 12-year-old boy surnamed Xie had difficulty breathing due to long-term enlargement of the thyroid gland in his neck and was unable to exercise or run. Computerized tomography showed that the respiratory tract and trachea were compressed with only a small gap left. After a blood test, he was diagnosed with “Grave’s Hyperthyroidism”. Start medication. However, Xie Xiaodi often failed to take the medicine on time, and because of the side effects of the medicine, he went to Renai Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for evaluation during the summer vacation. He used an original combined minimally invasive and scarless surgical resection method. After the operation, not only his breathing improved, but he could also exercise and run, which was less than one month old. Yue also grew 10 centimeters taller.

Hyperthyroidism 7to 14Years are the best period for hair loss Pay attention to common symptoms of thick neck and bulging eyes

Director of General Surgery Wu Yiru said that Graves’ Disease, also known as hyperthyroidism, refers to an endocrine disease in which autoimmune antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to excessive secretion of hormones. Generally, the incidence of hyperthyroidism in children is low, accounting for only about 5% of all patients. The most common age of hyperthyroidism is between 7 and 14 years old, with more girls than boys, with a ratio of about 5:1.

Director Wu Yiru pointed out that clinically, symptoms such as goiter, thickening of the neck, and bulging of the eyeballs in some people affecting vision, hair loss, muscle weakness, and periodic paralysis can be seen. In addition, metabolism will increase and lead to anxiety, palpitations, tremors and heat intolerance, excessive sweating, increased appetite but weight loss, increased bowel movements or diarrhea, emotional instability, abnormally active behavior, inability to concentrate, decreased memory and academic performance. Regression will also affect growth and development, such as slow development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence, and girls may suffer from menstrual disorders, amenorrhea and oligomenorrhoea. If it is not controlled, it will lead to more severe hyperthyroidism storms, such as fever, tachycardia, heart failure, coma and shock, etc.

Hyperthyroidism refers to an endocrine disease in which autoimmune antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, resulting in excessive secretion of hormones.

Treatment is mainly oral medications 3common way

Director Wu Yiru said that the first choice for traditional treatment is oral drug treatment, that is, antithyroid drugs. The total course of treatment is usually 2 to 3 years, and some may take 5 to 6 years, or even longer. The second treatment is radioactive iodine therapy. Both teenagers and adults can receive radioactive iodine therapy. However, this therapy cannot be used for children under 5 years old. It must not be used by pregnant women. Pregnancy is not allowed within 6 months after treatment, and it may be permanent after treatment. Hypothyroidism. The third treatment is surgical treatment, that is, thyroidectomy. In the past, traditional surgery often left a long scar on the neck.

Generally, oral drug therapy is the first choice for traditional treatment. Radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy surgery can also be considered.

Traceless minimally invasive resection Tailored treatment based on needs

Director Wu Yiru said that after years of long-term research, the original combined traceless minimally invasive thyroidectomy surgery has been certified by international journals and has been applied to many clinical patients with good results. You can also choose this minimally invasive treatment with tailor-made options, including: bilateral total resection, bilateral subtotal resection, total resection on one side and subtotal resection on the contralateral side, etc. Children and teenagers must meet their growth and development needs, and the option is effective for adults. and the least likely way to relapse.

【This article was awarded “Health Medical Network“Reprinted with permission. 】

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Well, well, well! It seems we’ve got a rather riveting medical tale on our hands, featuring the often-overlooked topic of hyperthyroidism in children! Yes, it’s a subject that’s even more thrilling than watching a sloth try to cross the road!

Hyperthyroidism: A Rare Unicorn in the Child Health Kingdom

So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of hyperthyroidism, which affects about 5% of children. Now, you might think that’s a small number, but that’s still a few more than the number of times I’ve been successful at making a decent soufflé! And it happens most often in children aged 7 to 14. I guess that’s when the little darlings decide to rob their thyroid glands of a break!

As we navigate through this thyroid saga, we meet 12-year-old young Master Xie, who faced breathing issues due to a thyroid gland that was apparently on a mission to make him the next poster child for "how not to run a marathon." I mean, he nearly didn’t have the air needed to run, which would’ve been a rather alarming case of “No Breathing – No Problem!”

If only we could apply this strategy to those always late to social events. “I can’t breathe, darling! Sorry, I’m late!”

Symptoms: The ‘Wonderful’ Gift of Hyperthyroidism

Director Wu Yiru chimes in, letting us know that those symptoms, which include any combination of goiters, bulging eyes, and hair loss, really do put the “fun” in dysfunctional! I mean, who doesn’t want a thick neck that resembles an overgrown squash and eyes popping out like cartoon characters? Love it!

And may I add, this list of symptoms could surely be the next contestant on a terrible game show: “Guess That Condition!” With a twist! Can you guess how many of these symptoms you might have on a daily basis? Anxiety, palpitations, tremors – you know, the usual! I’d need a bingo card.

Treatment Options: A Medicinal Buffet

Now, as for treatment, we start with the delights of medication. Imagine having to take medicine for 2 to 3 years or even longer – I can’t commit to a television series for that long without losing interest! Then there’s radioactive iodine therapy. Let’s not forget the surgical route, which in the past, was like handing out neck scarves as party favours!

But now, Director Wu brings us great news! There’s a new method called the “traceless minimally invasive thyroidectomy.” Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? A bit like an ultra-sleek spy operation. Instead of messy scars, your child could have a neck that looks like they just came from a spa day!

Hey kids, check out my new scar-free neck — so silky smooth you could slide a fish down it!

A Cheeky Reminder

But let’s wrap it up, shall we? Hyperthyroidism in kids may be rare, but it’s not entirely invisible! Keep your eyes peeled for symptoms, because who can pass up the opportunity to nurture a budding Olympian with a healthy thyroid? Because, let’s face it, kids deserve to run freely without their respiratory tracts feeling like a squeezed tube of toothpaste!

So, whether you’re popping thyroid medication like candy or contemplating thyroid surgery, let’s ensure every child has a chance to breathe easy and grow up reaching new heights—figuratively and literally! After all, what’s more thrilling than watching a kid run around on a healthy set of lungs, even if they did take a detour through thyroid town first?

Go on then! Let’s get those kids running and their thyroids humming!

And remember, folks, stay informed and keep laughing! It’s the healthiest medicine of all!

Edley of Choices

Now, when‍ it ⁣comes to treating hyperthyroidism ⁤in children,⁢ there ‍are a⁢ few options that are more common‍ than finding a missing sock in⁣ the laundry. First up, ⁤we⁢ have the oral medications—antithyroid⁢ drugs are the ‌go-to⁤ method here. ⁣It’s like giving the overachieving ‍thyroid‌ gland a timeout! Typically, the treatment ⁤lasts ⁤around 2 to ⁤3 years, but​ some‌ kids might ‍just have to stick with it for up to 6 years or even longer. Talk about a long-term relationship!

Next on the list is radioactive iodine therapy, perfect for those youngsters ⁢who aren’t⁢ under five years old. This treatment is ‍serious, though—no chances for future pregnancies within ⁤six months after‍ treatment, as it can lead to permanent hypothyroidism.‍ Hence, a big​ “no-no” for pregnant ladies.

Last but not ⁤least, we⁤ have surgical options—thyroidectomy, anyone? The old-fashioned way ​of ​doing things often leaves necks looking like they’ve been through a battle, but ⁣luckily there’s a trend‌ now for more aesthetically pleasing approaches!

The New Wave: Traceless Minimally Invasive Resection

Director Wu to the rescue once​ again! He’s ⁢been​ on a mission to make​ the whole thyroid⁤ surgery business ​a bit more, shall we say, refined? Thanks to his extensive research into combined traceless minimally invasive thyroidectomy surgery, which has ‍garnered‍ international acclaim, patients can now get surgery without walking‌ out of the ‌operating room with a⁤ neck scar that would turn heads! Options abound, from⁢ total resection to different combinations that cater to individual needs—how thoughtful!

But let’s⁤ not forget ‍our young guests! Children and teenagers have special considerations since they ⁤are growing. So, fear not, as this tailored approach not only tackles the existing issue⁣ but also aligns with their growth and development needs, making relapses as rare as spotting a unicorn!

So there you‌ have it—a thrilling journey through hyperthyroidism in children, with its⁤ unique challenges and clever treatments. ​Just remember, while hyperthyroidism may seem like a wild ride of symptoms and treatments, help is available, and‌ with the right approach, the future ⁢looks bright!

School approach! While surgery can be effective, it does come with its own set of risks and recovery time. However, advancements in medicine have led to minimally invasive approaches, like the traceless thyroidectomy mentioned earlier. These are designed not only to reduce recovery time and discomfort but also to minimize scarring, making them an attractive option for many families.

while hyperthyroidism in children might be a rare condition, it definitely deserves attention. With early detection and a variety of treatment options—including the innovative traceless minimally invasive surgeries—children can pursue healthy lives without the burdens of thyroid dysfunction. Regular check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and consulting with qualified healthcare professionals are key. So, keep those thyroids humming, and let’s cheer on the next generation of healthy kids!

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