Common thyroid disorders and their symptoms, treatment
Thyroid is a small, butterfly- shaped gland located at
the base of the neck, part of endocrine system which is responsible for
coordinating many body activities. Thyroid gland manufactures hormones that
regulate body’s metabolism. When thyroid fail to produce not enough hormone or
produce too much hormone, can arise several different disorders. Pituitary
gland and hypothalamus control the thyroid gland, so, disorders of the other
gland tissues can affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems. Some of
the specific and common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism,
hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
1.
Hypothyroidism
This results due to an insufficient production of
thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands. This condition caused because of Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the thyroid
gland; thyroid hormone resistance; other types of thyroiditis like acute
thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis. Some of its symptoms are fatigue, dry
skin, constipation, feeling cold, fluid retention, depression, prolonged or excessive
menstrual bleeding in women, poor concentration or feeling mentally foggy,
muscle and joint aches. There is no specific cure for this disorder,
but can undergo thyroid hormone replacement. If a person takes thyroid hormone
replacement orally, then has to take a pill every day for rest of the life. One
can stock the pill at home by purchasing the same from 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India.
2.
Hyperthyroidism
It is condition with excess production hormones by the
thyroid glands. The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves’
disease; toxic multinodular goiter; excessive iodine consumption and thyroid
nodules that overexpress thyroid hormones or hot nodules. Some of the symptoms
are tremor, nervousness, fast heart rate, fatigue, heat intolerance, increased
bowel movements, increased sweating, concentrating problems and unintentional
weight loss. A short term treatment for this may be a doctor
recommended beta- blockers which can stop some of the effects of the thyroid
hormones and quickly reduce some of the symptoms. Few permanent treatments
suggested by doctors are anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine tablets or a
surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid.
3.
Goiter
The enlargement of the thyroid gland regardless of cause
is described as goiter. It is not a specific disease and is associated with
hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or normal thyroid function. A research
estimated that goiter affects 200 million of the 800 million people with iodine
deficiency worldwide. Some of the symptoms are swelling or tightness
in the neck; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; coughing or wheezing and
hoarseness of voice. This condition is treated only when it is very severe.
In case goiter is caused due to iodine deficiency then small doses of iodine is
recommended.
4.
Thyroid
nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps or abnormal masses within
the thyroid glands. It can be caused by benign cysts, benign tumors
or thyroid cancers. Some of the symptoms include high pulse rate,
nervousness, increased appetite, tremors, weight loss or gain, clammy skin,
fatigue, hair loss, dry skin and cold intolerance. The treatment will vary
depending on the type of tumor. Removing thyroid through surgery is a common
choice. Radiation therapy is used with or without surgery. Chemotherapy is
required if cancer spreads throughout the body.
5.
Thyroid
cancer
It is the most common types of endocrine cancer in children.
The incidence is higher in adult omen than young men. Some of the symptoms
include a lump in the neck, swollen glands, tight feeling in the neck, hoarse
voice and trouble breathing or swallowing. Doctors recommend surgery and varies
therapies. Take your medications through 3MEDS,
the anti-cancer medicine provider.
Outlook
for thyroid disorders
The thyroid disorders are not life threatening and can
be managed or controlled with medical treatment. Though, some conditions may
require surgery. One may not be able to prevent thyroid diseased but can surely
prevent its complications by getting diagnosed at the right time and following
the treatment protocol and prescriptions obediently.
Ending
note
Thyroid diseases are one of the common disorder posing
a significant burden in India and across the world. It is estimated that nearly
32% of Indians suffer from thyroid disease, which means every third person is diagnosed
of the disorder. The data seems alarming, but addressing the problem is the
first step towards recovery.
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