Many parents believe that thyroid disease only occurs in adults. In fact, this disease does not rule out anyone, including young children.
10-year-old child with cervical butterfly
A 10-year-old girl in Nghe An was taken by her family to An Viet Hospital (Hanoi) for examination because of a large mass in her neck, frequent sweating, shaking of the limbs and lack of concentration in studying.
After examination, the doctor discovered a large cervical spondylitis with an abnormally fast heart rate. Tests showed a very high thyroid hormone index, positive anti-thyroid antibodies; ultrasounds showed a large thyroid gland spreading, increased blood supply; electrocardiogram and an ultrasound recorded a decline in heart function.
The diagnostic results determined that the child had hyperthyroidism (Basedow). The patient was treated with synthetic anti-thyroid drugs and drugs that support the protection of heart function.
MSc. Dr. Mai Van Sam, An Viet Hospital said that this is just one of many cases of thyroid disease in children that have been detected and treated promptly. Every year, the hospital receives many children with Basedow with typical symptoms such as a large mass in the neck (no redness), nervousness, chest drumsticks, throbbing and poor concentration.
MSc. Dr. Mai Van Sam said that Vietnam currently does not have accurate data on thyroid disease, because each medical facility has its own statistics, and there is no general unit.
In fact, to say the exact number, there is no. However, thanks to periodic health check-ups and the development of diagnostic means, thyroid disease is being detected more and more early, said Dr. Sam.
Are eating and drinking and the environment the main causes?
According to MSc. Dr. Mai Van Sam, thyroid disease is diverse, not all of which are due to diet or environment. For thyroid cancer, the high risk belongs to people who are regularly exposed to radiation and X-rays in the working environment without complying with labor protection. In addition, genetic factors also play an important role.
Some other diseases such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are more common in women due to their menstrual cycle, pregnancy and postpartum.
Thyroid disease can appear very early, even in children aged 6 - 7. "There are cases where a family has a history of thyroid cancer and takes their child for examination but accidentally discovers the disease. It is also possible that when the family touches the tumor or lining in the neck, an ultrasound can detect the tumor, said Dr. Mai Van Sam.
In adulthood, work pressure, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles can also trigger hyperthyroidism. For pregnant or postpartum women, autoimmune thyroiditis, hypothyroidism or postpartum hyperthyroidism are common problems.
People with hyperthyroidism often show signs of weight loss of unknown cause even though they eat a lot, people are hot, sweating, nervous, shaking hands, and easily irritable. In contrast, people with hypothyroidism often feel cold, tired and gain weight. Testing thyroid hormones, especially the TSH index, helps with accurate diagnosis.
The treatment regimen for thyroid tumors does not discriminate between age and gender. Mild cases may only require surgery and regular monitoring. If severe, the patient must have the entire thyroid removed, the duodenum is dredged and radiotherapy taken. After surgery, it is necessary to monitor recurrence and adjust hormones accordingly.
To reduce the risk of disease, doctors recommend not to overuse X-rays for a short time, comply with labor protection when working with radiation, limit stress, anxiety and fast food. As for genetic factors or hormonal changes in pregnant women, it is almost unpredictable.
Parents need to pay more attention to the health of their children's thyroid gland. Early examination will help detect and treat timely, avoiding dangerous complications for the cardiovascular system and comprehensive development of children.
