The presence of an enlarged goitre indicates there is a problem with the thyroid gland, even if the child does not have any clinical signs of a thyroid problem. The symptoms are usually those of high or low thyroid hormone levels, which include; high blood pressure, neck or ear pain, stress and anxiety, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, snoring, cough, swelling or disfigurement of the neck, throat tightness, and difficulty in breathing. When a baby is born with an enlarged thyroid, it is referred to as a congenital goitre. Unlike a goitre in an adult, which can occur due to an unsuitable diet, a congenital goitre is associated with increased or decreased thyroid function. When a newborn baby has a congenital goitre, often times it is hard for them to breathe due to the goitre pressing against their windpipe. Children can also acquire a goitre due to the lack of iodine in their diet. Be sure your child is getting enough nutrients by eating well-balanced meals that include foods rich in iodine.
Treatment for goitre depends on a number of factors such as the size of the enlargement, symptoms and the underlying cause. Once these are determined, a plan for treatment can begin. The doctor may recommend that you observe the goiter, or may prescribe some medicine, or offer radioactive iodine treatment and surgery usually as a last resort.
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