Endocrinology

Suspicion on diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diffuse goiter? Dwarfism (nanismus), tallness (gigantism), autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, hypercorticism, obesity, diabetes mellitus? These and other endocrine disorders are diagnosed and treated by the pediatric endocrinologist of KinderKlinik.

We carry out diagnostics, early detection and treatment of congenital and acquired endocrine diseases in children:

• diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;
• hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism;
• diffuse goiter, nodular goiter, mixed goiter;
• short stature (nanism);
• gigantism;
• autoimmune thyroiditis;
• Addison’s disease;
• hypercortisolism, hypocorticism;
• obesity;
• diabetes insipidus;
• disorders of sexual development;
• installation of sensors for continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels (Freestyle Libre);
• additional types of examinations: ultrasonography (particularly, of the thyroid gland) and others.

Hormones control the work of all organs and systems of our body, a lot depends on them – our whole life and activity. The endocrinologist makes sure that the level of our hormones is in order, and the whole endocrine system works perfectly. In recent decades, specialists are increasingly diagnosing endocrine disorders in children. Among the reasons for this are the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, a hereditary predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and others. Children who are at high risk need regular examinations of the pediatric endocrinologist.

Disorders of the endocrine system often can’t be noticed with a naked eye and manifest themselves in irritability of the child, or, quite opposite to it, in apathy, weakness, increased (or decreased) appetite, inconsistent stool, regular flu-like diseases and other not so obvious ways.

Among the more evident signs, that should lead you to consult an endocrinologist are – lagging in physical and sexual development, or, conversely, accelerated growth or early appearance of signs of growing up, sudden weight gain or weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, trembling in the extremities. So..

How often should I have my child examined by an endocrinologist?

Preventing examinations

• At the age of 2,5-3 years – when going to the kindergarten
• at the age of 6-7 years – when going to school
• at the age of 16-17 – when enrolling in the university
• at the age of 10-11 and 14-15 (the so-called crisis periods of the childhood) – to evaluate height, weight, sexual development, size and condition of the thyroid gland
• annual examination (in case of hereditary endocrine diseases).

When is the consultation of an endocrinologist necessary?

Don’t postpone the visit to endocrinologist, if you’ve noticed the following in your child:

• increased thirst, frequent urination, itching of the skin, often in the genital area, weight loss, despite good appetite, the smell of acetone from the child’s mouth (similar to the aroma of delicious apples), lethargy, rapid fatigability, decreased performance
• discomfort, pain in the thyroid gland or a visual increase in its size
• weight increase, stretch marks on the skin, high blood pressure, frequent headaches
• dry skin, drowsiness, constipation, stunted growth compared to children of the same age, memory impairment
• irritability, sleep disturbance, palpitations, sweating
• the appearance of signs of early sexual development – up to 7 years in girls (enlargement of the mammary glands, the appearance of menstruation, axillary and pubic hair growth), up to 8 years in boys (enlargement of the penis and testicle size, sagging scrotum, the appearance of axillary and pubic hair growth, hoarsening of the voice)
• delayed sexual development – the absence of signs of sexual development at 13 years old in girls and at 14 years old in boys
• absence of testicles in the scrotum after 6 months of age.

And remember that timely visit to the doctor is a guarantee of a successful treatment.

What diseases does a pediatric endocrinologist treat?

• type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
• diffuse goiter, nodular goiter, mixed goiter
• extremely low height (dwarfism)
• excessive height (gigantism)
• autoimmune thyroiditis
• Addison’s disease
• hypercorticism
• obesity
• diabetes insipidus
• sexual development disorders

A pediatric endocrinologist at KinderKlinik will help to identify and, if necessary, prescribe treatment for these and other endocrine disorders.

How does a pediatric endocrinologist appointment proceed?

The doctor examines the child, questions the parents and the child as to the complaints, presence of any accompanying or hereditary diseases etc. Additional examination may be necessary to establish the correct diagnosis:

• performing lab testing to determine glucose level, thyroid hormones levels etc.
• Ultrasonography (particularly, of the thyroid gland)
• other examinations

Consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist at KinderKlinik will allow to confirm or disprove the presence of endocrine pathologies, learn the cause of their development, and, if necessary, find the right treatment plan, taking into account the individual features of the child. Furthermore, regular visits to the specialists allow to prevent the risk of complications.