Thyroid Disease Guide

WHAT IS THYROID?

The thyroid is primarily a gland located in the front part of the neck and its main function is the to regulate body's metabolisms through the production of thyroid hormone. This hormone is transported through the blood and goes to all the cells that make up the body where it performs its functions. Various alterations can occur in the thyroid, we will briefly talk about them in the further section. But before we proceed, it is essential to bear in mind that, in the face of cervical volume growth or symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (which we will understand in just a minute), a specialist must be consulted early. For the best-personalized care for thyroid illnesses, Rhealth.ai is at your service.

What is Rhealth.ai? Well, Rhealth is a personalized healthcare platform designed to provide one-stop help for patients with thyroid disease. At Rhealth.ai, we provide affordable, accessible, appropriate, and assured healthcare to the global community. RHealth's top-notch healthcare services include effortless and comprehensive health check-ups, medical consultations, wellness plans, medical advice, live fitness classes, online pharmacies, and more.

TYPES OF THYROID

Coming back, treatment for thyroid disease depends on the cause, the severity of the symptoms, and the level of thyroid hormone production. They are two main types of thyroid diseases including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Let us look at them one at a time.

1. Hyperthyroidism

There are a lot of thyroid hormones. It is also sometimes called hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by an acceleration of metabolism and the functions of the organism. Symptoms and signs include increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, sleep disturbances, hand tremors, weakness, and sometimes diarrhea.

2. Hypothyroidism

When there are too few thyroid hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism. It is characterized by a slowdown in metabolism and bodily functions. Symptoms and signs include weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, thickened or swollen skin, hair loss, fatigue, and menstrual disorders in women.

TREATING THE TWO COMMON THYROID DISEASES

There are specific treatments for both the common kinds of thyroid disorders. In hyperthyroidism, for example, radioactive iodine (to destroy part or part of the thyroid gland) is used or, anti-thyroid drugs, or surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Sometimes it is necessary to use all three treatments together. Upon destruction or removal of the thyroid gland, the individual becomes hypothyroid and must take synthetic thyroid hormones. While treatment for all types of hypothyroidism is usually straightforward and includes hormone replacement therapy.

OTHER TYPES OF THYROID DISEASES

Diseases of the thyroid gland are disorders that affect the number of thyroid hormones produced. Thyroid disorders are more likely to occur in women than in men. Some other common thyroid disorders are listed below:

1. Myxedema

The severe form of hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, can lead to heart failure, seizures, and coma. In children, hypothyroidism can slow growth and delay sexual development. In infants, hypothyroidism can cause mental retardation. For this reason, in our country, newborns are screened for hypothyroidism, because detecting it allows us to create the appropriate treatment.

2. Graves Illness

Graves illness is a common situation of hyperthyroidism. It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system synthesizes antibodies against the thyroid gland, causing inflammation, injury, and increased production of thyroid hormones.

3. Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common situation of hypothyroidism. Graves disease is a chronic autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced against the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage to the gland. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the synthesis of thyroid hormones is reduced.

4. Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be associated with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Although not always, it can cause a sore throat that is similar to angina. Inflammation of the thyroid gland may be due to autoimmune activity, infections, exposure to toxic chemicals to the thyroid gland, or other unknown causes. Depending on the cause, it is acute, transient, or chronic.

5. Thyroid Nodes

A thyroid node is a small nodule in the thyroid gland that can be a solid or fluid-filled cyst. These nodules are not uncommon and are usually benign. In some cases, however, thyroid nodules may be cancerous and require treatment.

6. Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is quite rare. Four kinds of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and medullary. About 80% of thyroid cancers are papillary. This type of cancer affects women more than men and is more common in young people. Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on its type and extent. It usually requires complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland as well as treatment with radioactive iodine and thyroid hormones. Although papillary cancer is easily treatable, in most cases cured, other types of thyroid cancer can be challenging. In these cases, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used before and after surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

7. Goiter

Goiter refers to a noticeable expansion of the thyroid gland. A few years ago, it was a relatively common situation due to a lack of iodine in the diet. Iodine is an essential part of the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Today, due to the routine addition of iodine to ordinary salt (iodized salt), the incidence of goiter due to lack of diet has been significantly reduced. In other parts of the world, however, iodine deficiency goiter is quite common and becomes the most common form of hypothyroidism in some geographic areas. Additionally, any of the above thyroid disorders can be the cause of goiter. Ostriches can pinch the vital structures of the neck, including the trachea and esophagus, and this can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing.

These are all the different types of thyroid diseases experienced by people. Early diagnosis and effective disease management can save you from the trouble of chronic thyroid! Reach at Rhealth.ai, and schedule a free appointment online with a expert physicians online.