Thymus gland in children (in Latin thymus) is the central organ of immunogenesis, which is located behind the sternum and consists of two lobes separated by loose fiber. A small and completely invisible organ at first sight plays an important role in the child's body. The younger the baby, the more the thymus gland actively works, growing and training special immune cells - lymphocytes. After training in the thymus, the so-called T-lymphocytes are able to protect the children's body from microscopic enemies, to neutralize allergens and to develop immunity. The work of this body weakens closer to 12 years, when the protective forces in the child are more or less formed, and already to old age on the place of the thymus there is only a small lump of adipose tissue. This explains the fact that adults are harder to tolerate the most banal childhood diseases - measles, chickenpox, rubella, etc.
Very often in infants, the pathology of enlargement of the thymus gland is found - thymomegaly. Having a size larger than normal, the thymus does poorly with its work, so that in the future the child may have serious illnesses. This phenomenon can lead to both diseases of children, and external factors that adversely affect the body. Most often this disease develops in young children due to pregnancy pathologies, mothers of infectious diseases or late pregnancy.
Increased thymus gland in children - symptoms of the disease
- the child's weight is more than normal;
- there is an increase in all lymph nodes, as well as adenoids, tonsils, tissues on the posterior surface of the pharynx;
- abnormalities of child development;
- heart rhythm disorder;
- hypotension, hyperhidrosis;
- in boys - phimosis, cryptorchidism;
- in girls - hypoplasia of the genitals.
Treatment with an increased thymus gland in children
As a rule, an enlarged thymus in children under two years of age is considered normal and requires no treatment. This can be an anatomical feature of the baby, especially if it was born large enough. In this case, the child must be under the supervision of a doctor, and parents need to create certain conditions for him. It's not so difficult, just keep the regime of the day. First of all, the baby should get enough sleep. Undoubtedly, the child needs regular walks in the fresh air and vitaminized food, but without unnecessary allergens. Also, avoid contact with sick children, especially in seasonal outbreaks of ARVI.
Hyperplasia of the thymus gland
Another disease of the thymus gland in children is hyperplasia. This disease is accompanied by the proliferation of cells in the brain and cortical part of the thymus, as well as the formation of neoplasms, while the thymus gland in the child may not be increased.
Symptoms of thymus hyperplasia in children
- kidney failure;
- dryness, peeling of the skin;
- inflammation of adenoids and tonsils;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- edema of the upper and lower extremities;
- weight gain;
- in some cases, an increase in the thymus gland;
- difficulty breathing.
Treatment of thymus hyperplasia in children
With conservative treatment of thymic hyperplasia, the child is prescribed corticosteroids, as well as a special diet. In some cases, there may be a need for surgical intervention, in which the thymus gland is removed - thaeectomy. After all procedures the child needs constant medical supervision. If hypoplasia of the thymus in a child does not have clinical manifestations, in such cases it does not require special medical intervention, except for dynamic observation.