Adrenal hyperplasia, which is more commonly referred to as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, is a genetic disorder that affects the normal function of the adrenal gland. Adrenal hyperplasia symptoms typically arise during early childhood, though certain children may not develop symptoms until they reach early adolescence. Children who develop adrenal hyperplasia symptoms require prompt medical care to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
Genital Abnormalities
The most apparent symptom of adrenal hyperplasia in female infants is the presence of ambiguous genitalia. Baby girls with this condition develop genital organs that more closely resemble those of male genitalia, explains Medline Plus. At birth, male infants do not develop any noticeable symptoms of adrenal hyperplasia.
Dehydration
Approximately 80 percent of children with adrenal hyperplasia excrete unusually high amounts of salt from their bodies, explain medical experts with the Better Health Channel. High salt loss can cause dehydration in affected children. Symptoms of dehydration caused by adrenal hyperplasia can include increased thirst, nausea and dizziness. Without treatment, excessive salt loss can be life-threatening to affected children.
Growth Irregularities
Children with this condition can display growth irregularities due to abnormally high levels of the hormone androgen, a male sex hormone, within the body. Affected children tend to grow rapidly in height during early childhood but are shorter than average when they reach adulthood, explains MayoClinic.com.
Early Puberty
Girls and boys with adrenal hyperplasia can enter puberty as early as age 2, according to MedlinePlus. Children with adrenal hyperplasia can develop severe or persistent acne--a skin condition characterized by the appearance of red, pus-filled skin lesions across the body or face. High androgen levels can cause young boys to develop a deeper voice, armpit or pubic hair, an enlarged penis or well-developed muscles. Young girls can experience similar symptoms, though they also often develop excessive facial or body hair growth and abnormal or absent menstrual periods. Irregular or absent menstrual periods can lead to infertility in women with adrenal hyperplasia later in life.
Slow Infection Recovery
Adrenal hyperplasia can make it harder for a person to recover after infection. As a result, children with this condition often experience recurrent or long-lasting cold or sinus infection symptoms, explains FamilyDoctor.org. A child who experiences frequent infections that do not readily respond to treatment should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Recurrent infections can also be a sign of alternate medical problems, such as leukemia.
