What is Hashimoto's disease?
-a disease that can cause underactive thyroid gland function.
Hashimoto's disease, also called "chronic thyroiditis," is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is the most frequent of all thyroid diseases and is particularly common in women.
In Hashimoto's disease, the thyroid gland may be gradually damaged by immune abnormalities, resulting in decreased thyroid hormone production. This may result in a condition called "hypothyroidism.
However, a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease does not always result in an immediate deficiency of thyroid hormones, and many patients remain normal for a long period of time. This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Hashimoto's disease.
Function of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a small organ located on the front side of the neck that secretes thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones have the following functions
Regulates the body's metabolism.
Maintain body temperature
... regulate the function of the heart and gastrointestinal tract.
Thyroid hormones are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Causes of Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease is one of the "autoimmune diseases".
The immune system is originally responsible for protecting the body, but in Hashimoto's disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland. As a result, chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland may occur and the thyroid gland may gradually become underactive.
The following antibodies are often found in the blood in Hashimoto's disease
Anti-TPO antibody
Anti-thyroglobulin antibody
The following factors are thought to contribute to the onset of the disease
Constitution (genetic factors)
Female Hormone
Environmental Factors
Main Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease
Deficiency of thyroid hormones may cause the following symptoms
...Tired easily
...to be cold.
. Easy to gain weight
Swelling
Constipation
Skin dryness
Decreased ability to concentrate
Drowsiness
Also,
Swelling of the front of the neck (goiter)
The following is a list of the most common cases of this type of disease.
However, in the early stages of the disease, there are often few symptoms, and it is not uncommon for it to be detected for the first time in a blood test during a physical examination.
Diagnosis of Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease is diagnosed primarily by blood tests.
Characteristic findings include
Positive for anti-TPO or anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
TSH is elevated (in hypothyroidism)
FT4 is decreased (if advanced)
An ultrasound of the thyroid gland may also be performed to check for swelling and characteristic changes in the thyroid gland.
Treatment of Hashimoto's Disease
No special treatment to stop the inflammation of Hashimoto's disease itself is usually necessary.
Treatment is required when there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones. In this case, treatment is given to supplement the deficient thyroid hormones.
Medications used
Levothyroxine (Tyladin S)
This drug has the same function as thyroid hormones in the body and helps to keep the body in good condition by replacing the missing hormones.
When treatment is required
Not all people diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease require treatment.
If thyroid hormone levels are normal, periodic follow-up is often sufficient without the use of medication.
Generally, treatment is initiated in the following cases
TSH is high.
FT4 is low.
Symptoms.
With proper thyroid hormone replacement, symptoms can improve and healthy living is possible.
Levothyroxine is a safe drug and can be used for long periods of time.
In most cases, treatment is long term, but with proper management, there is no significant disruption to daily life.
summary
Hashimoto's disease is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland caused by an abnormal immune system.
When thyroid hormones are deficient
...Tired easily
Cold
Weight gain
Symptoms such as the following may appear.
It can be diagnosed by blood tests, and in case of thyroid hormone deficiency, it can be well controlled by replacement therapy with medication.
Even if diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, it is possible to lead a healthy life with proper follow-up and treatment.
If you have any symptoms of concern or if your health checkup shows any abnormalities, it is important to consult a medical institution as soon as possible.
[Thyroid disease is also discussed in more detail in the following article.
What are other thyroid diseases?
◼️Go to Diabetes and Endocrinology page
◼️Go to General Internal Medicine Page
◼️TOP