What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis is
inflammation of the tissues of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto thyroiditis is in
the group of autoimmune thyroiditis ( body produces antibodies against its own
tissue).
The patients with
Hashimoto's thyroiditis may have antibodies against various tzpes of thyroid
tissue (anti-peroxidase antibodies, antithyreoglobulin antibodies, antibodies
against the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone-TSH ...). In a certain number
of cases, there may be a lack of these antibodies.
In Hashimoto thyroiditis
Goitre (struma) can exist, or the thyroid can be completely normal in terms of
size.
Statistical data
show that Hashimoto thyroiditis is most common cause of decreased thyroid
function (hypothyroidism), but not including the lack of iodine in the diet. It
occurs approximately at every 5000 people in the general population. There is
no racial preference for its appearance, and occurs about 4 times more often in
women than in man. The age at which Hashimoto thyroiditis appears is between
30-50 years.
How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis manifesting?
At the beginning of
the disease, due to the release of thyroid hormones from its damaged cells and this
leads to the appearance of symptoms of hyperthyroidism (increased heart rate, sweating,
oily skin, tremor, excitation, loss of body weight).
These signs and
symptoms last for a few days to a few weeks, than symptoms of hypothyroidism appear
(reduced function of the thyroid gland).
Patients can see
enlargement in front of neck, or others point at that problem.
When you experience symptoms of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), they are usually
• tiredness and exhaustion
• opstipation (constipation)
• cold intolerance
• joint pain and muscle cramps
• dry skin and ifurfur
• nails are thicken and are cracking
• hair loss or thinning of hair
• weight gain
• appearance of swelling on the extremities and face, especially around the eyes (edema)
• slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• disorder of menstrual bleeding in women and loss of libido
• Problems with memory
• mood changes and tendency to depression
• You can experience hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), shortness of breath (dyspnea) due to compression of the enlarged thyroid gland to surrounding structures
• thyroid, when palpated, has rubbery consistency, and can be nodules palpable and within
• you may feel pain in front part of the neck
How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosed?
Medical history with typical clinical picture and examination can help to put suspicion on Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Laboratory analyzes imply determining the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Also, performing the serological tests for the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies
Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland and scintigraphy are methods used in the diagnosis of Hashimoto diseases.
Tissue biopsy of thyroid gland can be made in order to histologically rule out the possibility of malignant change.
CT Scan and MRI are used to estimate the size of thyroid gland in the preoperative preparation of the patient.
When you experience symptoms of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), they are usually
• tiredness and exhaustion
• opstipation (constipation)
• cold intolerance
• joint pain and muscle cramps
• dry skin and ifurfur
• nails are thicken and are cracking
• hair loss or thinning of hair
• weight gain
• appearance of swelling on the extremities and face, especially around the eyes (edema)
• slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• disorder of menstrual bleeding in women and loss of libido
• Problems with memory
• mood changes and tendency to depression
• You can experience hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), shortness of breath (dyspnea) due to compression of the enlarged thyroid gland to surrounding structures
• thyroid, when palpated, has rubbery consistency, and can be nodules palpable and within
• you may feel pain in front part of the neck
How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosed?
Medical history with typical clinical picture and examination can help to put suspicion on Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Laboratory analyzes imply determining the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Also, performing the serological tests for the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies
Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland and scintigraphy are methods used in the diagnosis of Hashimoto diseases.
Tissue biopsy of thyroid gland can be made in order to histologically rule out the possibility of malignant change.
CT Scan and MRI are used to estimate the size of thyroid gland in the preoperative preparation of the patient.
What is the treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
As in Hashimoto's thyroiditis there is a reduced function of the thyroid gland, with consequently low levels of hormones, replacement therapy withL thyroxine is required .
Large goiters with compressive symptoms requires surgical treatment that involves resection of the tissues.
Regular annual inspection by ultrasound are required in order to exclude the existence of reactive nodes in the tissues of the thyroid gland as well as controlling the levels of hormones in order to avoid excessive or insufficient drug dosing.
Source: simptomi.rs
Text: MD Vladimir Comagic
Image: patient.co.uk, metro.us, shutterstock
As in Hashimoto's thyroiditis there is a reduced function of the thyroid gland, with consequently low levels of hormones, replacement therapy withL thyroxine is required .
Large goiters with compressive symptoms requires surgical treatment that involves resection of the tissues.
Regular annual inspection by ultrasound are required in order to exclude the existence of reactive nodes in the tissues of the thyroid gland as well as controlling the levels of hormones in order to avoid excessive or insufficient drug dosing.
Source: simptomi.rs
Text: MD Vladimir Comagic
Image: patient.co.uk, metro.us, shutterstock
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