Sunday, March 24, 2013

Everything You Should Know About Thyroiditis

By Erminia Blanchette


Thyroid is the gland which is butterfly in shape and can be found in the neck's front. This works just like a factory which used iodine from the food that we eat for the production of thyroid hormones. The latter helps in regulating the metabolism of the body and also effect other bodily processes and functions such as growth. This rate of the production of hormone is regulated by another gland which is located in our brain and known as the pituitary gland.

If the thyroid gland is not quite active in production of hormones, this can lead to the health problem called hypothyroidism. The major cause of this problem include postpartum thyroiditis when the gland swells after giving birth, autoimmune thyroiditis, acute thyroiditis and silent one. If the gland functions the opposite as it produces too much amount of hormone, it can also lead to health risk called hyperthyroidism. The major cause of this problem includes grave's disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and too much intake of iodine, toxic nodule and Hashitoxicosis.

The signs and symptoms of the problem known as hypothyroidism widely vary and depend on the severity of the deficiency in hormones. Some experiences mental forgetfulness and fogginess, the feeling of excessive cold, dry skin, fatigue or even prolonged and excessive menstrual bleeding. Hyperthyroidism is also suggested by different symptoms. Generally, it signs of this thyroid problem can include, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, weight loss and scant or irregular menstrual flow. Those who only have mild hyperthyroidism or those who are over 70 may not show any sign at all. The signs will become manifest when the condition is already worsen.

Improper growth development and some personal abnormalities can also lead to thyroid problems. It can be the cause of cysts that are benign or those that are cancerous. The cancer can either be medullary, follicular, papillary or anaplastic. An enlarged gland is a medical condition known as goiter where the size ranges from being slightly noticeable to the point that it is no longer appealing to the sight and needs removal through surgeries. Abnormalities can also lead the gland to develop in some abnormal areas.

There are also signs and symptoms which can be experiences when the structure of this gland has a problem. This may include tracheal or esophagus compression which leads to difficulty in swallowing and breathing. It may even reach the size wherein it becomes very cosmetically unappealing. The increase in size leads to bleeding which can cause local pain. If one has cancer problem in this gland, he may also experience systemic symptoms like change in appetite, night sweats, and weight loss.

Medication is commonly given to those who have over production of hormones while synthetic hormones are administered to those who are deficient in those hormones. Those whose trachea and esophagus are experiencing compression of the airways because of enlargement usually undergoes surgical treatment. If the person will not properly respond to the medication given, the other option is to undergo radioactive ablation. This is also the procedure for those who have or at risk of developing cancer.




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