What is Graves' Disease in children?

It is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the thyroid, causing it to become overactive (Hyperthyroidism). It is rare in young children but becomes more common in teenagers.

Signs in Kids:

• Behavior: Difficulty concentrating in school (often mistaken for ADHD), anxiety, irritability, or emotional outbursts.
• Physical: Weight loss despite eating a lot, shaky hands, bulging eyes, or a goiter (swollen neck).
• Growth: They may have a rapid growth spurt but stop growing too early.

Treatment Options:

Unlike adults, radioactive iodine is rarely the first choice for children due to long-term radiation concerns.

• Methimazole: An anti-thyroid pill. It is the first-line treatment. Children often need to stay on it for years.
• Remission: About 20-30% of children will go into remission (disease goes away) after a few years of medication.
• Surgery: If medication doesn't work or causes side effects, removing the thyroid (Thyroidectomy) offers a permanent cure.