Insufficiency of the thyroid gland in children can not manifest itself in any way and is found out by chance during examination for other diseases. But more often hypothyroidism in newborns has its own symptomatology, which the attentive mom will definitely notice.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in newborns
Parents should pay attention to such signs:
- dry skin;
- sluggish sucking;
- increased drowsiness;
- low temperature and pressure in the baby;
- hypotension of muscles, swelling;
- impaired digestion, underweight;
- cold hands and feet;
- apathy, rare crying.
To confirm the diagnosis, a newborn is assigned an examination for hypothyroidism: determine the level of hormones T4 and TSH in the blood serum. If the symptoms are pronounced from the first days of life, then they speak of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns.
Consequences and treatment of hypothyroidism
In time, unrecognized and not compensated hypothyroidism can threaten extremely unpleasant complications in the child. First of all, this is a backwardness in development: physical, mental, mental. Various neurological symptoms may develop, such as strabismus and impaired coordination of movements. Of severe complications, heart and organ defects, bone growth retardation, and dental problems are isolated.
Treatment of the disease depends on the cause that caused it. The easiest way to eliminate iodine deficiency - with its replenishment in the body, the thyroid gland activity is gradually restored.
The iron could be suppressed during pregnancy, if the mother took the medicine with such an effect. The child may also have a congenital abnormality of the thyroid gland or an organism's immunity to thyroid hormones. Treatment in such cases is carried out hormonal preparations, if necessary - surgically. Most often the disease acquires a chronic character with a lifelong need for taking medications.