Spotting thyroid disorders in children

How we loved chasing butterflies and catching them, if we could, when we were carefree kids with so much time on our tiny hands. Until we would hear Mom calling out to us at the top of her stern voice: “Get inside. Lunch is ready.” Of course, the fragrant aroma of her perfectly cooked adobo was enough to send us scurrying to the dining table and abandoning our poor little victims, a.k.a. science project.

Recently, a panel of experts got together to “catch butterflies” —  but not the butterfly that may be flitting around in your garden. Experts from the Philippine Society for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, the Philippine Thyroid Association, and the Iodine Global Network sat down to talk about the thyroid, the butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck. They zeroed in on thyroid disease, which may not be too hard to catch (but more on this a bit later) at the International Thyroid Awareness Week celebration held at the Fisher Mall, where the culminating event, jointly hosted by Merck Inc. and ETC 2nd Avenue, was dubbed “Catching Butterflies: Spotting the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Children.”

The educational — and fun-filled — event was aimed at increasing awareness of the thyroid and the disorders that can affect both children and adults. You may not be aware of the fact that thyroid hormone imbalances, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can have a harmful effect on a child’s brain development, growth, and physical maturity. But the good news is that thyroid disorders can be arrested with early screening and proper treatment.

Here are the answers to some oft-asked questions on the thyroid and thyroid disorders:

What is the thyroid and how important is it?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. It produces and stores thyroid hormones, which are essential to the normal development of the body, as well as its normal metabolism and function. Thyroid hormones affect practically all systems of the body — from the brain, to the heart, to the stomach, and the reproductive system, etc.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? How is it different from hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Thus, your metabolism slows down. Patients typically put on weight (even without eating more).  They also complain of cold intolerance, chronic fatigue, sadness/depression, slowed speech patterns, slow heart rate, dry/brittle hair, constipation, and menstrual irregularities.

Hyperthyroidism is when there is too much thyroid hormone. Its symptoms are typically opposite those of hypothyroidism. Patients suffer weight loss, sweating, insomnia and irritability, fast heart rate and palpitations, hair loss, diarrhea, and menstrual irregularities.

How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a physician based on the results of blood tests — TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroid hormone levels in the blood.

How can you make a self-examination to find out if you have thyroid disorder?

Facing a mirror, lift your chin up and inspect your neck. Swallow, and if you see a mass at the base of the neck moving up and down, you may need to consult your doctor for goiter.

Also be aware of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, so you can consult a doctor when you note you have them.

What is the treatment for hypothyroidism? What about for hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is treated with anti-thyroid drugs, which lower the level of thyroid hormones in the body.

Should children undergo screening for thyroid problems?

Parents should be aware of the symptoms of thyroid disorders so they can bring their child to the doctor. If they notice mood and behavior changes, difficulty learning, and other signs, consult a doctor.

Should pregnant women undergo screening for thyroid problems?

It is recommended that women get screened for thyroid disorders if they: have a previous history of thyroid disorders, have undergone thyroid surgery, are above 30, have a family history of thyroid disorders, have a previous history of pregnancy loss or difficulty getting pregnant, are living in iodine-deficient areas.

How will thyroid disorders affect pregnant women and the babies in their wombs?

Thyroid disorders, if untreated, can lead to negative outcomes for the mother and child. Conditions like eclampsia and placenta previa can occur. Furthermore, the child might have developmental abnormalities, especially with mental and cognitive abilities. Children with mothers who are iodine deficient or have hypothyroid can have lower IQs.

Ask your doctor about thyroid screening if you are pregnant.

What food should you avoid if you have a thyroid problem? What should you eat?

People are encouraged to take iodized salt to avoid iodine deficiency, which is the most common cause of goiter.

Can you inherit thyroid disorders?

There is a hereditary component to thyroid problems. If you have a relative who has thyroid disorders, you should regularly have yourself checked.