I've heard some stuff about hypothyroidism in children. What exactly is it and what are the symptoms?

Hypothyroidism (sometimes called having an underactive thyroid) as a childhood illness occurs when the thyroid gland is missing or is not working properly. The most common symptoms include:

• Poor growth
• Weakness
• Persistent tiredness
• Intolerance to cold
• Constipation
• Thin and brittle hair and nails
• Learning problems

Hypothyroidism affects about one out of every 4,000 newborns and is called congenital hypothyroidism. Screening tests on newborn babies can diagnose this condition. Symptoms in babies include:

• Poor feeding
• Hoarse or weak cry
• Persistent jaundice
• Poor weight gain
• Large tongue and unusual facial features

Children can grow and develop normally when hypothyroidism is treated, so be sure to seek medical help if you think your child may have an underactive thyroid gland.