What do you know about thyroid disease? Thyroid problems include a number of other disorders that are associated with the thyroid gland. So, what is a thyroid gland? It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck. In essence, this gland helps your body use energy and plays a key role in how your body responds to many things. In this article, we will examine thyroid disease from Dr. Salam’s diseases section.
Thyroid disease and how the thyroid gland works
Simply put, the thyroid gland produces hormones that are needed for your body to function normally. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and a small part of it is produced called triiodothyronine, which keeps you active all day. Basically, this hormone strengthens your body’s energy.
The thyroid gland is usually regulated by the brain. In fact, there is a strong connection between your brain and your thyroid gland. When thyroid levels are low, your brain produces a hormone called thyrotropin. Sometimes, the thyroid tends to produce extra hormones, and this can be classified as hyperthyroidism because your thyroid is overactive and overproduces hormones.
What is thyroid disease?
Thyroid disease is a disease that results from different styles of thyroid function. In simple terms, the thyroid produces hormones, and if it produces more hormone, it is called hyperthyroidism, and if it produces less hormone, it is called hypothyroidism. However, this can lead to cancer which can cause problems with water and food intake.
Symptoms of thyroid disease
Because the thyroid is a disease that includes hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, its symptoms can be changed accordingly.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a disease that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones your body needs. Here are some signs of hypothyroidism.
- dry skin
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Severe sensitivity to cold
- Weight Gain
- Swelling of the face
- High blood cholesterol
- Muscle stiffness
- Decreased heart rate
- hair loss
- Depression
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
This condition is called hyperthyroidism when the thyroid gland produces extra hormones. Here are the symptoms of an overactive thyroid that you may be suffering from.
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
- Weight Gain
- Lack of appetite
- Rough skin
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the face
- Gradual enlargement of the tongue
Note: Tongue is much more common in men than thyroid disease. In addition, some of the problems that women face are irregular periods, health issues related to pregnancy for both mother and baby, which can lead to miscarriage and other problems.
Causes of thyroid disease
Thyroid disease can have many causes. Since this disease has many causes, here are some reasons:
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland causes thyroid disease.
- If there is a cancerous gland in the thyroid, it can lead to thyroid disease.
- Medical treatments such as thyroid surgery and radiation therapy are among the genetic disorders that can cause thyroid disease.
- Pregnancy can also cause thyroid disease, and if left untreated can lead to more medical problems for both mother and baby. Some of these complications include miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth.
Diagnosis of thyroid disease
Diagnosis of this disease requires several tests performed by a physician. Here are some methods used by your doctor to diagnose thyroid disease.
- First, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination, which includes a blood test.
- If you suffer from hyperthyroidism, it may be easy for your doctor to diagnose it because the symptoms are obvious. But if you are in the early stages of the disease, it is difficult for a doctor to diagnose it.
- The main test your doctor will perform on you is a blood test, which is a thyroid function test that helps diagnose how your thyroid gland is working.
- In acute cases, a special test will be performed using radioactive iodine. However, this test is called radioactive iodine uptake.
Tip: If you have any of the above symptoms of thyroid disease, consult your doctor first and this will help you to heal faster.
Treatment of thyroid disease
Because thyroid disease has two types of conditions to deal with, its treatment also depends on these conditions. Two thyroid problems are: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are listed below some of the most common methods in which this condition is treated.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is in a reactive state, meaning that it begins to produce excess hormone that causes your body to become unstable. However, there are several treatments available to treat this condition and in addition treatment depending on the degree of your symptoms.
- Surgery: This treatment involves removing the thyroid. There are risks associated with this treatment that can damage your vocal cords. This treatment is only recommended for certain types of hyperthyroidism. Consult your doctor as soon as possible.
- Medications: These medications are complex in nature and can prevent the production of more hormones or, in some cases, produce fewer hormones.
- Radioactive iodine: Basically, radioactive iodine is a treatment that helps destroy the thyroid and reduce your symptoms. In simpler terms, this treatment prevents hyperthyroidism from producing excess hormones.
Note: Before choosing any of the methods listed above, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with treatment.
Treatment of hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a disease that occurs when your thyroid gland becomes hypothyroid, meaning that it only produces fewer hormones. Here is how to treat this condition.
- There is a standard treatment that includes medications that reverse the symptoms of this condition. You will be asked to take levothyroxine, an oral medication that you should take every day. Because hypothyroidism is a lifelong disease, you should definitely take this medicine. Essentially, levothyroxine replaces the hormones that are lost and stabilizes your condition.
Note: The information above will help you understand why this treatment is usually offered in general. But it is recommended to consult a doctor because this condition depends on the individual, which varies depending on the severity of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thyroid disease includes two types of thyroid conditions called hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism which can cause a lifelong condition for you. However, here are a few questions that will raise your awareness.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants?
Hypothyroidism is a condition that most often affects middle-aged women, including older women. However, its symptoms vary from infant to adult. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of children with this disease.
- زردی
- Breathing problems
- Bring out the tongue
- Constipation
- Severe drowsiness
- Mental and psychological problems
Tip: If left untreated, your newborn may have problems with nutrition and abnormal growth. The disease can affect the baby in a way that can cause certain mental disorders that can be life threatening.
What foods are not good for the thyroid?
There are many foods that you should avoid if you have a thyroid. In fact, an essential change in your diet is what your doctor expects of you. Here are some foods you should avoid.
- Bread and cereals should be avoided because these foods contain gluten, which can be dangerous to you.
- Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and cabbage should be avoided.
- Fruits such as strawberries, peaches and pears should also be avoided.
Can you live without a thyroid?
Although your thyroid is essential for many reasons, it is possible that you can live without one of them. For example, hypothyroidism requires individual treatment, and treatment with thyroid hormone can make you live longer.
What happens if hypothyroidism is not treated?
First, you need to know that treating this disease can be a lifelong challenge, and if left untreated, you may be dealing with life-threatening illnesses. However, if you do not treat your illness, the following may happen to you:
- Heart problems such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, heart failure
- Decreased perception and mental strength and depression
- Infertility issues
- You may also develop grit, a condition that can cause severe problems with your self-esteem. You may also have difficulty swallowing and eating.
Thyroid problems include two different types of diseases, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which can be threatening if left untreated. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms or hyperthyroidism, take it seriously and see your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that prevention is better than cure.
