Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Hyperthyroidism

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: April 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is hyperthyroidism?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is hyperthyroidism?

• The thyroid gland helps control metabolism (how fast your heart beats and how you burn calories).
• Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland becomes overactive.
• The gland makes too many hormones. The result is an increase in the body's metabolism
• There are different types of hyperthyroidism, such as Grave's disease, toxic nodular goiter, and thyroiditis.

  
  Center organ: Thyroid Gland

What causes it?

• It can result from the body giving signals to the thyroid gland that make it overwork.
• It can result from inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the thyroid gland.
• It can result from tumors of the thyroid gland or problems with the pituitary gland.

Who can get it?

• Women are more likely to get it than men are.
• It can affect anyone, but is most common in young or middle-aged adults.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms are different for each person and also depend on what type of hyperthyroidism it is. Symptoms can include:

• Goiter (swelling in the neck)
• Bulging eyes
• Thick skin over the shin area
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite or thirst
• Nervousness, restlessness
• Body becomes sensitive to heat, sweating
• Feeling tired
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling at the neck
• Many bowel movements, diarrhea
• Irregular menstruation
• Weakness
• Tongue problems
• Problems sleeping
• Clammy skin, changes in skin color (becomes darker or paler)
• Itching
• Hair loss
• Bone pain
• High blood pressure, rapid heart beat

Is it contagious?

• No. It is not contagious.

How is it treated?

• The doctor may need to take several tests to see if there is a thyroid problem.
• The goal of treatment is to help the thyroid gland work correctly.
• Treatment depends on the patient's age, the cause of the problem, and how bad the symptoms are.
• Medication may be used to regulate how the thyroid releases hormones.
• Medications can also be used to treat symptoms.
• Surgery may be needed to remove part of the thyroid. This often does not correct the problem but helps people feel better.
• People with hyperthyroidism should have regular check-ups.
• If you need to gain weight, ask your doctor for suggestions. Also ask your doctor how to make sure you are getting enough calcium.
• If left untreated, it can lead to death.

How long does it last?

• A person with hyperthyroidism may need medication his whole life to prevent problems.
• Other people may need treatment only once.

Can it be prevented?

• There is no known way to prevent it.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Go to the emergency room if a person with hyperthyroidism starts to have worsening symptoms that may include fever, a rapid heartbeat, or confusion.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland becomes overactive.
• Sometimes, it can result from tumors of the thyroid gland or problems with the pituitary gland.
• It can affect anyone, but is most common in young or middle-aged adults.
• Symptoms are different for each person and also depend on what type of hyperthyroidism it is.
• It is not contagious.
• The goal of treatment is to help the thyroid gland work correctly.
• People with hyperthyroidism may need treatment only once or throughout their whole life.
• There is no known way to prevent it.
• Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

References

• HON. Thyroid Gland Disorders: Hyperthyroidism. (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.hon.ch/Dossier/MotherChild/child_hormones/hyperthyroidism.html
• MayoClinic. What is Hyperthyroidism? 2001 April 02 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00344
• MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Hyperthyroidism. 2001 August 16 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000356.htm
• NIDDK. Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases. (cited 2002 April 11). URL: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/endo.htm

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