The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands of the body, the malfunction of which can lead to serious problems. Diffuse toxic goiter is considered a rather complex disease, which, without appropriate treatment, can be fatal. However, the prognosis of this pathology is favorable if, at the first signs, consult a doctor.
general description
Diffuse toxic goiter in children is an autoimmune pathology that develops as a result of excessive production of thyroid hormones. In this case, antibodies damage the organ’s own tissues, which leads to increased work. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in children from 10 to 15 years. At the same time, goiter is found much more often in girls (7-8 times).
This disease seriously affects the functioning of all body systems. In this case, iron is able to significantly increase in size. A feature of the disease is that it can develop even in infants.
Causes of the disease
Why diffuse toxic goiter appears in children, it is reliably impossible to find out. However, there is a list of factors that can provoke pathology:
- Bacterial and infectious diseases: tonsillitis, sinusitis. In this case, it does not matter at all in what form the pathology is - acute or chronic.
- Genetic predisposition. Diffuse toxic goiter in children more often occurs if parents are ill.
- Strong emotional stress, as well as nervous tension, depression, stress.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Malfunctioning immune system.
- Excessive stay in direct sunlight.
- Inadequate intake of iodine with food.
- Hypothermia.
- High physical activity.
Also, diffuse toxic goiter, the diagnosis of which is not difficult, can be triggered by such pathologies: diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, problems with the functionality of the adrenal glands.
Symptoms of the disease
If diffuse toxic goiter is detected in children, symptoms and treatment are the information that you need to know without fail. Typically, the disease is characterized by such signs:
- An increase in the size of the thyroid gland. At the first stages of goiter development, it is almost impossible to notice this symptom without hardware research.
- Redness of the skin, increased sweat.
- Fragility of nails, hair loss.
- Ophthalmopathy In this case, the eyes become very convex, watery, photophobia appears. The eyelids do not close completely even during sleep. Eyes during the development of the disease quickly get tired, serious visual impairment can be observed. Often in children with diffuse goiter, inflammatory lesions of the conjunctiva can be diagnosed.
- Problems with the work of the cardiovascular system: tachycardia, which is observed almost constantly, inorganic functional noise, increased pulse pressure.
- In severe goiter, respiratory problems may occur.
- Increased appetite, while the patient is rapidly losing weight. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the abdomen may also appear.
- Disorders in the nervous system: a disorder of the psycho-emotional sphere (tearfulness, nervousness) and the motor apparatus. The child quickly gets tired, he has a sleep disturbance, memory and attention are deteriorating. At the same time, the patient cannot adapt normally in society. Even with a medical examination, the child is too lively, he is not able to sit in one place.
- Enuresis.
- A pathological increase in the number of red blood cells.
- Violation of fat metabolism in the body.
- Heat intolerance.
What kind of disease is diffuse toxic goiter in children? It does not occur very often, but the consequences can be serious. Therefore, if any symptoms appear that indicate a disorder in the body, you should consult a doctor.
Diagnostic Features
If a child is suspected of diffuse toxic goiter, the diagnosis includes the following manipulations:
- The delivery of laboratory tests that allow you to determine the level of TSH and other hormones, as well as their relationship to each other.
- An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, which will show the true size of the gland, especially its structure, decreased echogenicity, increased blood outflow
- Gland scintigraphy, which is performed to determine the degree of capture of iodine. But in this case, you need to consider that this procedure is unsafe for the child's body. That is why such an analysis is carried out quite rarely.
- Radioimmunological research.
Diffuse-toxic goiter in children, the causes of the development of which you have already found out, in the later stages can be determined visually, since the gland by this time becomes very large.
Pathology classification
There are several of them. The classification provides for the division of the disease into 5 degrees of development:
- The first is characterized by some minor disturbances in the activity of the body, but visually the gland cannot yet be noticed. On palpation, the doctor can feel the isthmus of the thyroid gland.
- The second one. The gland is slightly enlarged, so it is easy to feel. In addition, the patient can feel it when swallowing.
- The third. The size of the neck is increasing. Iron can be seen already at a visual inspection.
- Fourth. The shape of the neck changes as the goiter grows rapidly.
- Fifth. This is the most difficult degree, which is characterized by the huge size of the goiter. Ophthalmological problems are already clearly visible at this stage.
There is another classification:
- Neurohormonal stage. It is characterized by poisoning the body with an excessive amount of hormones produced, a significant increase in the gland.
- Visceropathic. It is characterized by serious pathological changes in the activity of internal organs.
- Kakheti. This stage is the most dangerous. It is characterized by complete exhaustion of the body. Organs are not working properly, and changes to them may already be irreversible. If there is no immediate medical intervention, then imminent death occurs.
As for the degrees of severity, there are several of them:
- Easy. This degree is characterized by an increase in heart rate to 80-120 beats / min. In this case, the patient begins to lose weight dramatically.
- Medium. The heart rate increases even more and amounts to 100-120 beats / min. Body weight decreases faster.
- Heavy. The pulse rate exceeds 120 beats / min, pronounced mental reactions appear, and degeneration of internal organs is observed.
Now you know what diffuse toxic goiter in children is, how it develops. Next, you need to understand the features of the treatment of this pathology.
Features of traditional treatment
If diffuse toxic goiter is diagnosed in children, treatment should be started immediately. Most often, it is possible to cope with pathology in the early stages of development with the help of medications. For example, a child is prescribed bromine drugs that allow you to suspend or slow down the production of thyroxine. "Reserpine" (in small doses) and ascorbic acid are also prescribed. Naturally, treatment should be symptomatic and comprehensive.
Do not forget that therapy with a mild degree of development can be carried out at home. A sick child needs to ensure a calm environment, maximum relaxation. Excessive physical activity is forbidden to him. Provide children with proper nutrition, because the metabolic rate during the illness increases. It is advisable to include milk and cabbage, foods rich in protein and fats in the diet. Limit the use of potatoes and other foods that contain large amounts of potassium.
Therapy can be carried out in courses or constantly, this is decided by the attending endocrinologist. Diffuse toxic goiter in children can develop very quickly. If the degree of development is moderate or severe, then the drug "Merkazolil" is used for treatment. The child should be placed in a hospital for 1 month. If the drug gives a positive trend, then its dosage is gradually reduced. It is strictly forbidden to do this, since a thyrotoxic crisis may occur .
To solve the problem, irradiation of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine can also be used , which prevents the growth of goiter and blocks the ability of the gland to produce excessive amounts of hormones. However, this method is unsafe for the child's body. The dose of radiation is selected by a qualified doctor separately in each individual case.
To eliminate ophthalmopathy, Prednisolone can be used. Other thyreostatics can be assigned to the child: "Tyrosol", "Propitsil".
Radical treatment
If drug therapy turned out to be useless or ineffective, the goiter became too large and helps to compress the neck (blocking the airways), nodes began to appear on the thyroid gland, ophthalmopathy became too pronounced - surgical intervention is necessary.
Removal can be partial or complete. The operation must be done after careful preparation. That is, doctors should achieve some compensation for thyrotoxicosis with the help of medications. Preliminary preparatory treatment can last 2-3 months. Before and after the operation, glucocorticoids are administered to the patient.
After radical intervention, there is a risk of complications. But with careful postoperative care, it decreases. The final result of this treatment method can be seen only after a few months. During the recovery period, medications can be prescribed to the patient, which will help normalize the body.
Power Features
If a child has diffuse toxic goiter, treatment (reviews of drug therapy are good only at the first stages of the development of pathology) should be carried out together with dietary adjustments. Keep in mind that foods should be as high in calories as possible. The patient should receive 3400 kcal per day.
You should not clog the stomach too much at a time. It is better to eat fractional servings 4-5 times a day. At the heart of the diet are vegetables, fruits, cereals, milk. Limit the use of meat, fish and eggs. During the treatment period, the child should not be given chocolate, tea and cocoa, as well as smoked meats.
Features of treatment with folk remedies
If a diffuse toxic goiter is found in a child, treatment with folk remedies in combination with traditional therapy will give a positive effect. Such recipes can be useful:
- Iodine. It can be taken orally or spread on the heels. In the first case, a drop of the drug should be dissolved in a glass of juice and drink twice a week. If you decide to smear iodine on the heel of a child, then you need to do this in the evening. Naturally, it is advisable to wear socks for the night. As soon as iodine is no longer absorbed, the course of therapy can be stopped.
- Figs It is necessary to pour 3 large berries in the evening with a glass of boiling water. The next day they are eaten in the morning, at lunch and in the evening. Infusion needs to be drunk too. Such therapy should be carried out daily until a positive effect is achieved.
- Celandine. Pick one plant during flowering, cut it and pour 500 ml of milk. Next, the mixture should be brought to a boil. Inside, the drug does not need to be taken. It is used to gargle. Keep in mind that the infusion should be warm. In addition, you need to remember that celandine is a poisonous plant.
If the child has a diffuse toxic goiter, treatment with folk remedies can help, but it cannot be carried out uncontrollably. Be sure to consult a therapist and endocrinologist. Not every child's body will be able to perceive such therapy normally.
Pathology Prevention
Is it possible to finally overcome the disease. Diffuse toxic goiter in children is treated quite successfully. Now we should consider how to prevent its development. Try to follow these preventive measures:
- Avoidance of stress and nervous strain.
- The use of aromatherapy, because they help calm down.
- Strengthening immunity will help to avoid the appearance of the disease. To do this, walk with the children in the fresh air.
- Taking multivitamin complexes, which include iodine (only as directed by a doctor).
- Show your child more often to an endocrinologist if your family has already had cases of the development of this pathology.
Now you have complete information on the topic: "Diffuse-toxic goiter: diagnosis and prevention." Remember, do not self-medicate or use decoctions of herbs uncontrollably. Experiments on a child’s body may not end very well. Be healthy!