THYROIDITIS
17 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland which is located near the neck or below the voice box. It is mainly of two types – Hypothyroidism i.e. underproduction of thyroid hormone and Hyperthyroidism i.e. overproduction of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls metabolism of the body and it is regulated by Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Hypothalamus is a region of brain that ensures sufficient secretion of thyroid hormone. Too much or too less levels of thyroid hormone affects other activities of the body.
CAUSES –
- Common causes:
- Inflammation of thyroid gland (thyroiditis)
- Imbalance in iodine intake
- Pituitary gland disorder
- Autoimmune system response
- Thyroid cancer or other disorder
- Congenital disease- Babies born with defective thyroid gland
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy
- Other causes for Hypothyroidism:
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Side effects of hyperthyroidism treatment
- Thyroid surgery or radiation therapy
- Other causes for Hyperthyroidism:
- Grave’s disease
- Nodular thyroid disease
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Common symptoms:
- Improper menstruation
- Nervousness, fatigue, irritability. depression
- Hair thinning
- Brittle and weak nails
- Problems in sleeping
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Infertility
- Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
- Sudden weight gain
- Slower heart rate
- Reduction in sweating
- Goiter
- Increase in blood cholesterol levels
- Constipation
- Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
- Sudden weight loss
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Increase in appetite
DIAGNOSIS –
- Physical examination
- Blood test
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test (RIUT)
TREATMENT –
- Treatment for Hypothyroidism:
- Medications like synthetic thyroxin, iodine supplements
- Treatment for Hypothyroidism:
- Anti-thyroid medications
- Beta blockers
- Radioactive iodine
- Surgery
RISK FACTORS –
- Family history
- Other chronic disorders like diabetes, anemia
- Thyroid surgery
- Radiation received in nearby area of the body
- Pregnancy or recent child birth
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- Females are 5-8 times more prone to have thyroid related problems than males. It has been estimated that usually 1 in 8 women develops thyroid disorder during her lifespan.
- Around 30-40 million people gets affected from thyroid disorders worldwide.