Doctors at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Kangra, have called for greater awareness and early diagnosis of thyroid disorders among children in Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of World Thyroid Day.
Dr Atul Gupta, paediatric endocrinologist at the RPGMC, said nearly 300 children were currently registered at the paediatric endocrine clinic of the medical college for treatment and follow-up of thyroid and hormonal disorders.
He said hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid disease being seen among children visiting the clinic. Cases of congenital hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease, Down syndrome-associated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are also being reported.
Dr Gupta explained that the thyroid gland plays an important role in a child’s growth, brain development and metabolism. If thyroid disorders are not diagnosed and treated on time, they can affect physical growth, learning ability, school performance and mental development.
He said congenital hypothyroidism, where babies are born with low thyroid hormone levels, is routinely screened at birth. Early treatment can help children lead a normal and healthy life.
The doctor said Himachal Pradesh had earlier witnessed a high burden of iodine deficiency disorders because of low iodine levels in soil and water in hilly areas. However, the widespread use of iodised salt has significantly reduced such disorders over the years.
At the same time, doctors are witnessing a growing number of thyroid-related illnesses among children and adolescents, especially autoimmune thyroid disorders and hyperthyroidism.
Dr Gupta advised parents to seek medical advice if children show symptoms such as excessive weight gain, lethargy, constipation, poor height gain, excessive sweating, hyperactivity, tremors or unexplained weight loss.