Thyroid Disorders
Overview
Thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck area of the human body. Hormones produced by the gland influence metabolic processes in the body. Thyroid disorders can range from a visibly enlarged gland as simple goiter to life-threatening thyroid cancer. Common type of thyroid disorders is caused by over or under production of thyroid hormone. Most of the thyroid disorders can be managed by medication, radiotherapy, and surgery.
Thyroid disorders are broadly classified into the following:
Goiter is a condition where thyroid gland is enlarged due to deficiency of iodine.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where less thyroid hormone is produced.
Hyperthyroidism is due to overproduction of thyroid hormone.
Thyroid cancer.
Thyroid nodules are condition where lumps are in the thyroid gland.
Thyroiditis is swelling of the thyroid gland
Goiter can be caused due to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or normal thyroid function. The most common cause is deficiency of iodine in diet. Iodine was incorporated in regular salt to prevent this illness. These are prevalent in the area where adequate iodine is not found in water. The signs and symptoms include swelling in the neck area, a tight feeling in your throat, coughing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing.
Hypothyroidism is due to under production of thyroid hormone. The most common type is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The most common symptoms include fatigue, lack of energy, dry skin, constipation, feeling cold, fluid retention, muscle and joint aches, depression, prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone. The common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves’ disease, Toxic multinodular goiter, Thyroid nodules that overexpress thyroid hormone (“hot” nodules), excessive iodine consumption. Symptoms include tremor, nervousness, fast heart rate, fatigue, intolerance for heat, increase in bowel movements, increased sweating, concentration problems, unintentional weight loss.
Thyroid Cancer is commonly seen in adult women. There are different type pf thyroid cancer depending on the cell type within thyroid. Most thyroid cancer has a good prognosis and can be treated successfully. Hence, the survival rate after surgery, radioactive iodine therapy and chemotherapy are high.
Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland, it may occur as benign cyst or tumors.
Thyroiditis is inflammation of thyroid glands. It can be caused by hypothyroidism, temporary thyrotoxicosis after post-partum, many drugs such as interferon and amiodarone.
Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are quite common in United States. Thyroid disorders are managed by surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, and levothyroxine, beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, propylthiouracil, methimazole, cholestyramine, iodine. There are many natural remedies for thyroid disorders available in stores.
References
- https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html accessed on 9/13/21
- https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/ accessed on 9/13/21
- https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/hanford/htdsweb/guide/thyroid.htm accessed on 9/13/21
