Discharge Instructions for Hyperthyroidism (Pediatric)

Your child has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Your child’s thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is important to body growth and metabolism. But if your body produces too much, many body processes speed up or overwork. Three options are available to treat hyperthyroidism: medications, radiation, or surgery. Here’s what you need to know about home care for your child.

Medication

Make sure your child takes his or her medication exactly as directed.

• Keep the pills in a container that is labeled with the days of the week. This will help you remember whether you’ve given the medication to your child.

• Give the pill with the same food or drink each day. This will help you control the amount of thyroid hormone in your child’s system.

• Never stop your child’s treatment on your own.

Medical Cards

Keep a card in your wallet that lists the following:

• Your name and contact information

• The name of your child’s doctor and contact information

• The name of your child’s disease

• The brand names and doses of your child’s medications

Doctor Visits

During your routine visits, tell your child’s doctor about any signs of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), such as:

• Restlessness

• Rapid weight loss

• Sweating

• Skin or hair changes

• Fast heartbeat

During your routine visits, tell your child’s doctor about any signs of hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone, such as:

• Fatigue or sluggishness

• Puffy hands, face, or feet

• Hoarseness

• Muscle pain

• Slow pulse (less than 60 beats per minute)

To Learn More

The resources below can help you learn more:

• American Thyroid Association 703-998-8890 www.thyroid.org

• Hormone Health Network 800-467-6663 www.hormone.org

Follow-Up

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

• Make and keep appointments to see your child’s doctor and get laboratory work. Your child may need to be monitored for the rest of his or her life.