Autoimmune thyroiditis is a disease in which there are various kinds of inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland. Thus, as a result of these processes, lymphocytes and antibodies proper are formed in the human body, which gradually come into conflict with the cells of the thyroid gland itself, which subsequently leads to their death. According to available statistics, it is this ailment that accounts for 30% of all known cases of gland diseases. Most often, it is diagnosed in people after 40 years, but today there are cases in the younger generation. In this article, we will look at the main symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as modern methods of treating the disease.
Reasons
The main cause of this disease, experts call the hereditary factor. However, even with its presence, additional reasons are required that provoke the course of the disease, namely:
- radiation exposure;
- constant stress;
- various kinds of chronic diseases;
- uncontrolled intake of iodine-containing and hormonal drugs;
- negative environmental impact.
Symptoms of an autoimmunethyroiditis
- Most often this disease, according to experts, is asymptomatic. So, patients do not notice pain, feelings of constant fatigue or lethargy. In some cases, there is only a feeling of a lump in the throat or slight discomfort in the joints.
- On the other hand, the symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis in the postpartum period are very clear. Young mothers constantly complain of fatigue, weakness throughout the body. Some women may experience mood swings, increased sweating, a feeling of heat, and tachycardia due to malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
Diagnosis
From the foregoing, it becomes clear that it is almost impossible to detect the disease in the early stages if there are no symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis. In this case, only laboratory tests come to the rescue. Experts strongly recommend that if close family members have this disease, they should be regularly examined. It implies the delivery of a general blood test to determine the number of lymphocytes, an immunogram, an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, as well as a number of other studies. If all signs of autoimmune thyroiditis are confirmed, we can already talk about further therapy.
Treatment
Unfortunately, at the moment, modern medicine cannot offer the only correct solution to eliminate this problem. With this ailment, when there is a violation in the work of thethyroid gland, doctors prescribe thyroid drugs. In this case, constant monitoring by specialists is also required to determine the entire clinical picture of the disease.
Forecast
If autoimmune thyroiditis has been diagnosed in children, in this case, the prognosis, subject to all recommendations for treatment by specialists, is very favorable. In adults, normal he alth and preservation of full performance can be observed for 15 years or more. However, it should be noted that this kind of situation is possible only with constant monitoring by doctors, the use of recommended medications and timely diagnosis of the disease. Stay he althy!
