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What is Thyroid disease?
The butterfly shaped thyroid gland is located below the larynx. It iscommonly known as Adam’s apple. It circulates hormones to all your body to give support allyour metabolic processes. But when your thyroid glandproduces too much or too little hormones, then it causes thyroid disease. But it is treatable. With proper medications and treatment, you can overcome the disease.
Take A Look At Thyroid Disease Types
When thyroid gland finds difficulties in functioning normally then it developsthis disease. Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism are the two most common thyroid disease types.
- Hyperthyroidism – Hyperthyroidism occurs when the glandproducesunrestrainedhormones, affectingvarious bodily processes. It is also known as overactive thyroid. It speeds up the metabolism. The indications are weight loss, fast heartbeat,fatigue &many others.
- Hypothyroidism– Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid disease. In this condition your thyroid gland releases inadequate hormones which affects our normal body functions. This condition can slow down your metabolism and increase the chances of gaining weight.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
The symptoms of thyroid diseasevary on the specific thyroid condition. Hyperthyroidism & hypothyroidism have almost reversed symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
Symptoms related to Hyperthyroidism are:-
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Excess sweating
- Fast heartbeat
- Heat intolerance
- Muscle weakness
- Mood swings
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Symptoms related to Hyperthyroidism are:-
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Slower heart rate
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Muscle pain
Causes of Thyroid Disease
Different causes of thyroid disease include:
- It can be a genetic problem. Family history of this disease can give you trouble
- Bacterial infections are another reason
- Pregnancy timehormonal changes possibly causing thyroid issue
- Low immunity isanother cause
- Insufficient iodine consumption can affect thyroid function
- Stress can also lead to thyroid disease
- TSH imbalance can create difficulties for thyroid gland
- Any kind of surgery can harm your gland
Risk Factors for Thyroid Disease
There are severalrisk factors forthyroiddisease. Thereare high chances that you will get affected byinsomnia, diarrhea, high blood pressure, infertility, miscarriage, constipation, hair loss, skin diseases, thyroid cancer and many more.
Some conditions which are connected to hyperthyroidism & hyperthyroidism
- Goiter: Goiter is an expansion of our thyroid gland which leaves abnormal hormone release. Symptoms related to goiter are visible swelling, breathing issues, sore throat, coughing etc.
- Thyroid nodule: Thyroid nodule is basically when you see lumps on your gland. Symptoms related to thyroid nodules are lumps in the neck area which is clearly visible, swelling, pain in throat etc.
Both Goiter &thyroid nodule can contribute to hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis refers to the puffinessof the thyroid gland leading various problems in body. Symptoms related to Thyroiditis are swelling in that particular area, fever, swallowing difficulty, stiffness etc.
- Hashimoto’s disease: Hashimoto’s diseaseis a condition when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland and it can’t produce hormones properly. Enlarge thyroid, constipation, muscle weakness, slow heart rate and weight gain are the symptoms.
Thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s disease can lead to hypothyroidism.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer develop in thyroid gland when cancer cells form tumors. Breathing issues, swelling, pain, lump on the neck are signs.
Eager to know how is thyroid disease diagnosed? Hereis your answer below
The treatment generally depends on the type of thyroid you have.
- Consult healthcare professionals for guidance
- Doctors will check your neck area to understand thestiffness or swelling
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) testis important to inspect your hormone level
- They will evaluate your gland’s size through ultrasound
- Will examine your gland’s conditions thoroughly and will recommend the next step
- There are many types of medications thatcan cure your disease
- Radioiodine therapykills the thyroid cells that build hormones
- In case of thyroid cancer surgery is the best treatment
Treatment of Thyroid Disease
Hyperthyroidism treatment includes:
- Anti-thyroid medication to stop the unrestrained release of hormone
- Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy the thyroid cells
- Surgery or Thyroidectomy to remove all the parts from your gland
- Stress management
- Balanced diet
Hypothyroidism treatment includes:
- Levothyroxine: It’s a medication that you have to take daily to replace your thyroxin hormone because your thyroid is not producing enough hormone
- Eat a balanced diet
- Don’t be stressed
- Daily exercise
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is thyroid?
Answer: Thyroid is a gland which is located in thefront throat. It circulates hormones to your body to give support all your metabolic processes.
2. Is thyroid disease common?
Answer: Yes, it is a common disease nowadays. Every 1 out of 5 people have this.
3. How can I prevent thyroid before it happens?
Answer: Here are 7 things that you can do to prevent thyroid before it happens – 1. Go for balanced diet, intake proper iodine 2. Don’t skip your exercise 3. Don’t take stress, do yoga or meditation to remove the stress 4. Maintain a healthy weight of yours 5. Avoid smoking 6. Avoid junk foods and sugar 7. Drink water properly.
4. Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism primary distinction?
Answer: The primary distinction is, hypothyroidism generatesinsufficienthormones and on another side, hyperthyroidism generatesunrestrained hormones.
5. How does thyroid cancer develop?
Answer:Whencancer cells develop in the gland, it l, ead to thyroid cancer.
6. Is thyroid cancer deadly?
Answer: Thyroid cancer can be healed. It is a serious disease but not deathly. Successful surgery can lead to no threats.
7. What test is required to diagnosed thyroid?
Answer: ATSH test is required to diagnosethyroid.
8. Is thyroid a genetic problem?
Answer: Yes, it can be genetic.
9. What are the risks of thyroidin pregnancy time?
Answer: When your gland is not functioning as it should be, definitely it is going to create risks. In pregnancy time diseases related to thyroidcan hamper many things like – infertility, miscarriage, poor growth of babyetc.