Thyroid related diseases are increasing rapidly in India. According to the available data, crores of people in the country are affected by this problem and about 80 percent of these patients are women. The matter of concern is that a large number of people do not know that they have thyroid problems for a long time. If timely diagnosis and treatment is not received, this disease can affect many important organs of the body and normal life.
What is thyroid and its function?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped endocrine gland, located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate the body’s metabolism, energy, heart rate, body temperature, and many other biological processes. The thyroid gland is controlled through TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) produced by the pituitary gland.
Major types of thyroid
There are mainly three types of thyroid problems. In hypothyroidism, thyroid hormones start being produced less, due to which the body’s activities slow down. In hyperthyroidism, hormones start being produced in excessive amounts, due to which body functions become faster than normal. The third condition is Goiter, in which the size of the thyroid gland increases and a swelling or lump starts appearing in the throat.
Symptoms and causes of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism patients may experience symptoms like feeling tired all the time, weight gain without any reason, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin and hair, depression, lack of concentration and heavy menstruation in women. Major causes may include iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), thyroid surgery, radioiodine therapy, or the effects of certain medications.
Symptoms and causes of hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, the patient may have problems like nervousness, irritability, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, trembling hands, weight loss, insomnia and menstrual irregularities in women. Its main causes may include Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma and excessive intake of thyroid hormone medications.
Signs of goiter and thyroid cancer
When the size of the thyroid gland increases then it is called Goiter. In this, swelling or lump may appear in front of the throat. If it increases too much, there may be problems like breathing, swallowing food or changes in voice. In some cases, long-standing goiter may also be associated with thyroid cancer. If symptoms like sudden rapid growth of the lump, pain in the throat, cough with blood, hoarse voice or feeling of a new lump in the neck are seen, one should immediately get checked by a specialist doctor.
Treatment and prevention measures
Treatment of thyroid depends on its condition. In hypothyroidism, the patient is given thyroid hormone medicine (thyroxine). Hyperthyroidism is treated with medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery if needed. If there is a suspicion of large goiter or cancer, operation may be required.
According to experts, regular consumption of iodized salt, balanced diet, regular exercise, periodic thyroid checkup and not ignoring any abnormal symptoms are important measures to prevent this disease. Especially women, pregnant women and people with a family history of thyroid should get regular health checkups done. Most thyroid diseases can be effectively controlled with timely detection and correct treatment.
