Children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are mainly judged on the basis of their thyroid hormone levels and whether or not they have symptoms, and if there are significant changes then they need to be treated.
1. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis. If the test reveals no significant change in thyroid hormone levels, no symptoms, and only a mild enlargement of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually not needed.
2. If symptoms such as atrophy of the thyroid gland, decreased levels of thyroid hormones, and an enlarged thyroid gland compressing the airways are found, treatment is needed.
(1) There is currently no treatment for the cause of the disease. The main focus is to limit iodine intake and reduce the progression of autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland.
(2) If atrophy of the thyroid gland or low thyroid hormone levels are found, thyroid hormone may be given for treatment.
(3) If the enlarged thyroid gland presses on organs such as the trachea, glucocorticoids such as prednisone may be used, or surgery may be performed.
It is recommended that you go to the hospital for a definitive diagnosis before determining whether treatment is needed. All of the above medications should be used under a doctor’s supervision.