Common Thyroid Problems & Diseases

What is Thyroid?

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck just below the center of your throat. This gland manufactures hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism.

What causes Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid problems arise when the thyroid either produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). This can cause symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, and more.

Common Thyroid Problems

Four common issues associated with the thyroid are:

1. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Also known as Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, it’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The condition occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and slowly destroys your thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. It can occur at any age, but it’s most common in middle-aged women.

- Common symptoms can include:

○ Fatigue

○ Constipation

○ Cold intolerance

○ Hair thinning

○ Dry skin

○ Mild weight gain

- Diagnosis and treatment

o Doctor might suggest a blood test to check for increased levels of TSH as well as low levels of thyroid hormone (T3 or T4) if you’re experiencing some of the above symptoms.

o Though there’s no known cure for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, doctor may prescribe you hormone-replacing medication to raise your thyroid hormone levels or lower your TSH levels.

2. Graves’ disease

This is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland which can cause your gland to overproduce the hormone responsible for regulating your metabolism. You may develop it at any age, but it’s much more common in women between the ages of 20 to 30.

- Symptoms include:

o Fatigue

○ Anxiety

○ Hand tremors

○ Sleeping issues

○ Unintentional weight loss

○ Diarrhoea

○ Irritability

- Diagnosis & Treatment:

o Doctors typically diagnose Graves’ disease with physical examination, blood tests, radioactive iodine test, and antibody test.

o While there is no treatment to stop the immune system from attacking the thyroid gland, it can be controlled with a combination of treatments which includes medications & surgery.

3. Goiter

This is a noncancerous enlargement of your thyroid gland and the most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency in your diet. Goiter can affect anyone at any age, especially in areas of the world where foods rich in iodine are in short supply.

- Common Symptoms include:

o Hoarse voice

○ Wheezing or coughing

○ Feeling of tightness in your neck

○ Swelling in the neck region

○ Breathing difficulties

○ Issues with swallowing

- Diagnosis & Treatment:

o Goiters can be diagnosed during a routine physical exam, blood tests, and an ultrasound.

o Goiter is usually treated only once it becomes severe enough to cause symptoms. Treatment can include radioactive iodine therapy to shrink your thyroid gland or surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland.

4. Thyroid nodules

These are growths that form on or in your thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules 4 times more common in women than in men.

- Common symptoms can include:

○ Tremor

○ Unintentional weight loss

○ Nervousness

○ Increased sweating

- Diagnosis & Treatment

o Nodules can be identified during a routine physical exam, but doctor might conduct additional tests such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, TSH test, and a biopsy to confirm.

o The treatment a doctor recommends may vary depending on your type of tumor. Treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, or a chemotherapy.

Common thyroid conditions in children

This includes:

• hypothyroidism

• hyperthyroidism

• thyroid nodules

• thyroid cancer

Sometimes children are born with a thyroid condition. In other cases, surgery, disease, or treatment for another condition can cause it.

Conclusion

In most cases, you can’t prevent hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and it leading to thyroid diseases but you can prevent it by getting it diagnosed right away and following your treatment plan.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about it, click here

Source: Healthline, Medical News Today

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Related Articles

Home remedies for thyroid problems

COPD - treatment & prevention

Does PCOS/PCOD impact fertility

PTSD- What are the symptoms & when to get emergency help

5 common types of arthritis

Published on April 11, 2023