Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in Children

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in children is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that produces hormones regulating energy, growth, and development. This ongoing attack can cause the thyroid to become inflamed and damage its ability to produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and growth delays. It is typically diagnosed through blood tests detecting autoimmune antibodies and thyroid hormone levels. While it is a chronic condition, it can often be managed effectively with thyroid hormone replacement therapy to support normal growth and development in children.