The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the neck just underneath the skin in muscles at the front of the throat. The gland is divided into left and right halves and weighs approximately one ounce, according to TeensHealth.org. The thyroid produces a hormone that is a key factor in metabolism and other physiologic and biochemical processes. Children with thyroid problems will have excessive or deficient levels of the thyroid hormone and symptoms of this condition will result. Identifying these symptoms will help physicians diagnose and treat these children.
Nervousness and Irritability
Children with thyroid problems may have excess thyroid hormone and develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormone can cause a stimulation of the nervous system, which may result in nervousness and irritability, states TeensHealth.org. As the hormone level rises, the child will become more irritable and restless. Patients may be unable to sit down and stay in one place for an extended period of time.
Poor Growth
Thyroid problems can cause children to suffer from slow growth if the disorder causes low levels of thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism, according to MayoClinic.com. The thyroid hormone stimulates bone growth and the release of growth hormone; therefore, children with insufficient levels of thyroid hormone will suffer from short stature. Chronic hypothyroidism will cause children to be shorter than average for their age, and if left untreated, the short stature will become permanent.
Fatigue
Children with chronic hyperthyroidism will suffer from fatigue and weakness all over the body, states the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. At first the child will appear to be restless and energetic, but as the condition worsens and progresses the child becomes fatigued. The child may also complain of muscle pain or fatigue.
Delayed Growth of Permanent Teeth
Hypothyroidism can cause children to have a delayed development of their permanent teeth, because the thyroid hormone stimulates the growth of adult teeth, reports MayoClinic.com. Once the patient is treated, tooth development will progress normally.
Intolerance to Heat
The thyroid hormone helps regulate body temperature, and high levels of thyroid hormone will cause the body temperature to be slightly higher than normal. Therefore, hyperthyroidism can cause intolerance to heat in children, according to TeensHealth.org.
Poor Mental Development
Thyroid disorders that cause a decrease in thyroid hormone levels can retard mental development in children, states MayoClinic.com. Pediatricians are able to compare a child's mental development to normal children all over the world. If the child does not have enough thyroid hormone, she will compare unfavorably to other normal children. The poor mental development may be permanent if the patient does not receive proper treatment.
