Dr Arpan Bhattacharyya

This portal is about diabetes, thyroid, Steroid and other common clinical problems in relation to the field of Diabetes and Endocrinology.

  • Home
  • About Sushruta
  • Dr Arpan
  • Dr Shaila
  • Contributors
  • Publications
  • Contact Us
  • Covid19, Diabetes & Endocrinology
  • Diabetes
  • Endocrine & Metabolism
  • FAQ
  • Pediatric Endocrine
  • Pituitary
  • Thyroid
Home » Pediatric Endocrine » Hyperthyroidism in Children and Adolescent

Hyperthyroidism in Children and Adolescent

May 6, 2020 by Dr. Shaila Shamanur Bhattacharyya

Hyperthyroidism refers to too much thyroid hormone in the blood coming from the thyroid gland.

What are the possible signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

It can occur at any age but more often above age 10 and more often in girls than in boys. Children and adolescents may have some, but not all the typical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism

  • Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter); usually painless
    • Weight loss, despite an increased appetite
    • Excessive sweating,feeling too warm when others are comfortable
    • Rapid heart rate or heart palpitations
    • Poor school performance
    • Mood swings, difficulty sleeping,hyperactivity or restlessness
    • Bulging or prominence of the eyes
    • Tremors of the hands
    • Increased frequency of bowel movements or diarrhoea
hyperthyroidism symptoms

What causes hyperthyroidism?

In children, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism is autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease). The body’s immune system makes antibody proteins that stimulate the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone.

Less common causes include,

  • Subacute thyroiditis- A viral infection causes thyroid gland inflammation and release of preformed thyroid hormone.
  • Certain thyroid swelling called toxic nodules.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

A detailed history and thorough physical examination may suggest hyperthyroidism.

The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is confirmed by blood tests that show elevated thyroid hormone levels (total or free thyroxine [T4/FT4 ] and triiodothyronine [T3/FT3 ]) and very low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, thyroid antibodies (TPO, TGA, TRAB)

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

There are 3 main ways to treat hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications(tablets), radioactive iodine ablation and surgery. The choice appropriate for you will be told by your paediatric Doctor.

Related

Filed Under: Pediatric Endocrine Tagged With: Childhood and Adolescence Hyperthyroidism, Childhood and Adolescence Hypothyroidism, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid disorders

Follow Me

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • Planning to travel during a pandemic?
  • Why should I bother about Trans Fat?
  • What to do if tested positive for Covid?
  • How to Boost Immunity after COVID 19?
  • Top 10 FAQs on Sex Hormones
  • Top 10 FAQs on Obesity
  • Top 10 FAQs on Steroids
  • Top 10 FAQs on Diabetic Diet
  • Top 10 FAQ on Cholesterol
  • Top TEN frequently asked questions in Diabetes

Top Posts

  • Hyperthyroidism in Children and Adolescent
  • Do I have Polycystic Ovaries?
  • Why should I bother about Trans Fat?
  • Do I have a Goitre?
  • Problems in adolescence and how to handle them
  • Obesity, why should I bother?
  • Why my blood Calcium has gone high?
  • My child entered puberty early, what do I do?
  • Is Osteoporosis same as Osteoarthritis?
  • What do I with my excess facial hair?

Copyright © 2025 - Sushruta

 

Loading Comments...