The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for setting your child's metabolism, which is what determines how fast or slow your child will burn off calories. When the thyroid stops doing its job and either doesn't produce enough metabolism-regulating hormone or produces too much, your child can experience a number of symptoms that can be dangerous by themselves or lead to other, more serious complications. Understanding how to recognize thyroid problems with your child is vital to ensuring his good health.
Step 1
Check for a lump. One thyroid condition your child may experience is a thyroid nodule, a lump that forms in the thyroid. If allowed to grow large enough, the thyroid nodule may be seen or felt at the base of your child's neck. Additionally, if the thyroid nodule is large enough to push on her windpipe, she may have difficulty swallowing. Therefore, swallowing problems may lead you to suspect a thyroid condition.
Step 2
Recognize common symptoms. Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your child produces too much thyroid hormone, has a number of external symptoms, many which are common to other less serious conditions. These include vomiting, diarrhea, poor weight gain and high blood pressure. If your child displays any of these symptoms--especially on a regular basis--it may be a thyroid condition.
Step 3
Monitor puberty and mental capacity. Generally, puberty begins between the ages of 7 and 14. Late onset of puberty may indicate your child isn't producing enough thyroid hormone, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Along with late onset of puberty, a child with hypothyroidism may also have poor mental development.
Step 4
Check her heart rate. A fast or irregular heartbeat is cause for alarm for many reasons. One is that an abnormal heart rate may indicate your child has a thyroid condition. By regularly monitoring her heart rate, you will know whether it is irregular. If it is, additional tests may indicate she has a thyroid problem.
Step 5
Take him in for medical testing. A physician's evaluation and diagnostic testing are required for a definitive diagnosis of a child's thyroid problem. If you suspect a thyroid condition is affecting your child, he will likely require blood tests, biopsy or other steps for a diagnosis.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your child's pediatrician if you suspect a thyroid problem.
