As of: March 23, 2024, 8:38 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Thyroid diseases not only affect adults; children and babies can also suffer from them, with possible consequences for the brain.
A disorder of thyroid function can have various causes, in addition to hypothyroidism and hyperactivity, Hashimoto's inflammation.
It is important to recognize the symptoms caused by the thyroid gland in good time and to treat those affected accordingly with hormone preparations.
Without treatment, they often suffer from a wide variety of symptoms that can have a serious impact on everyday life and everyday life.
Thyroid disease can even be dangerous for children.
Hypothyroidism: Untreated disease can lead to impaired speech development in children
If congenital hypothyroidism is only recognized and treated later, between the ages of three and six months, there is a high risk that the child will suffer permanent damage.
(Symbolic image) © Smit/Imago
There are children who are born without a thyroid gland, so-called athyroidism, and thus develop congenital hypothyroidism.
In other newborns, the thyroid gland may be maldeveloped (thyroid dysplasia) or the thyroid gland may not produce enough thyroid hormones from the start.
What pregnant women in particular often don't know: if you receive too high a dose of therapy against an overactive thyroid, your unborn baby can develop an underactive thyroid, as
Netdoktor
says.
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Hypothyroidism: What dangers does the disease pose for babies and children?
If congenital hypothyroidism is recognized after birth and treated immediately, the affected babies develop normally.
Children with congenital hypothyroidism also need to be treated daily with the missing thyroid hormone.
However, if treatment is not provided and the congenital hypothyroidism is only discovered later, between the ages of three and six months, there is a high risk that the child will suffer permanent damage.
According to
Netdoktor,
thyroid hormones are important for body growth and brain maturation.
Congenital and untreated hypothyroidism, or if treated too late, poses a danger to the growing child that should not be underestimated.
A thyroid disorder can result in short stature and severe intellectual development problems.
Disturbances in language development are also typical.
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If thyroid hormone therapy is started too late in the affected child, only short stature can be inhibited.
However, the brain damage caused by hypothyroidism remains.
Doctors call this severe form of untreated hypothyroidism “cretinism”.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.