Chronic thyroiditis is a disease (in most cases very severe) of the thyroid gland, which is characterized by its inflammation. In this process, the body's own antibodies damage or completely destroy the cells of the gland. As a rule, women who have crossed the 40-year mark are most affected by this disease. In recent years, it has been noticed that the number of young people and children who fell ill with this disease has increased.
Chronic thyroiditis: causes
There are several factors that provoke this disease:
- viral infections;
- exposure to radiation waves;
- focal infections of a chronic nature, which include: sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, adnexitis and many others;
- hereditary predisposition (the patient has relatives with thyroid disease, diabetes, chronic thyroiditis, etc.);
- The intake of iodine in the body in large volumes (500 mcg per day or more).
Chronic thyroiditis:symptoms
Very often this disease occurs without any noticeable changes in the patient's body, but in most cases it is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- There is a feeling of tightness and pressure in the neck.
- Feeling of a lump in the throat.
- Permanent unmotivated fatigue and weakness.
- Strong sensitivity of the thyroid gland and the appearance of pain during palpation.
- In some cases, eye disease may occur.
- Chronic thyroiditis is manifested by increased pressure.
- Cold intolerance.
- The thyroid gland becomes very elastic and dense to the touch.
- Constipation.
- Swelling of the lower extremities and face.
- Getting overweight.
- Muscle cramps.
- The appearance of "bags" under the eyes.
- When accompanied by hyperthyroidism, tachycardia, excessive sweating, tremor of the fingers on the hands can be observed.
Chronic thyroiditis: treatment
At the moment, no drugs have been invented that would save the patient from this disease. Therefore, the main methods of treating thyroiditis are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, removing the inflammatory process with nonsteroidal drugs and stimulating the thyroid gland. Drug therapy is prescribed immediately after the detection of the disease, even if the organ is functioning well at the moment. One of the most famous drugs that prevent the development of hypothyroidism,is the remedy "L-thyroxine". Its dosage is prescribed depending on the age of the patient and the level of TSH in the blood.
Chronic thyroiditis: treatment with folk remedies
Alternative medicine will also help get rid of this disease. The most famous remedy is a nut tincture, which is prepared as follows:
- 30 green walnuts are taken and crushed;
- then they are mixed with a glass of honey and a liter of vodka;
- the mixture is infused for 2 weeks (it is necessary to stir occasionally);
- after the time has elapsed, the tincture is filtered;
- take a tablespoon in the morning 30 minutes before meals.
