The parathyroid gland is an important part of the endocrine system. She has a special mission in the life of the body. In case of violations in her work, the hormonal balance changes, which causes the development of serious pathologies.
Parathyroid gland - role in the body
Outwardly this organ of the endocrine system resembles an "islet". The number of glands varies. In 80% of the population there are 2 pairs of parasitic "islets", and for the remaining - from 6 to 12 pieces. Although these glands are disconnected, they work as a single organ. These "islets" consist of two types of cells. Dark tissues produce parathyroid hormone. Light cells have little activity.
Hormones of the parathyroid gland have several names:
- parathyrine;
- calcitrine;
- parathyreocrine.
In fact, the parathyroid gland is designed to perform a special function: it controls the level of calcium in the body. Regulation is carried out by the principle of the opposite effect. On the surface of the "islets" there are special receptors. They measure the calcium index. If these "inspectors" find a low indicator of the element, there is immediately a signal to activate parathyroid glands. They synthesize parathyroid hormone.
As a result, the following changes occur in the body:
- The amount of calcium that is excreted in the urine is minimized (this is achieved due to the fact that more of this element is absorbed in the renal tubules);
- more intensive oxidation of vitamin D , resulting in increased levels of calcitriol, involved in protein production;
- the cells that destroy bone tissues are activated, so the calcium index in the blood increases.
Parathyroid gland function
This pathological condition, which indicates insufficient production of parathyroid hormone, or decreases the sensitivity of tissue receptors to it. The reasons for hypofunction (scientific name - hypoparathyroidism) include:
- autoimmune diseases , during which antibodies are produced to the glandular cells;
- chronic vitamin D deficiency;
- removal of thyroid gland ;
- chemical poisoning (lead, carbon dioxide, and so on);
- trauma to the neck, which caused hemorrhage in the endocrine organ;
- inflammatory processes that occur in the body;
- high dose of radio emission;
- underdeveloped parathyroid gland;
- metastases.
To judge that the parathyroid gland functions its own, the symptoms will help. They differ among themselves at the initial stage of the disease, with the progression of the disease and with a chronic shortage of parathyroid hormone. Symptoms can increase with stress, due to hypothermia or overheating. Symptoms of the initial stage of hypoparathyroidism include:
- numbness of the limbs and tingling;
- spasms in the legs or hands;
- chills , which is sharply replaced by heat.
When the disease progresses to the above signs, these symptoms also join:
- tachycardia;
- irritability;
- cataract and other ophthalmic problems;
- convulsions (they are symmetrical and flow painfully);
- severe headaches;
- memory impairment;
- photophobia.
When pathology takes on a chronic form, it is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- intense hair loss;
- increased dryness of the skin and peeling;
- tooth enamel is destroyed;
- fragility of nails is noted.
Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland
This state is characterized by a special activity of "islands" or individual parts of them. Increases the production of parathyroid hormone and the concentration of calcium in the blood serum. There are primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The first is provoked by the following reasons:
- hereditary pathology in the endocrine system;
- adenoma;
- hyperplasia;
- carcinoma.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs for the following reasons:
- deficiency of calcium and vitamin D;
- reception of anticonvulsant drugs;
- disorders in the digestive tract;
- renal insufficiency .
Hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands at an early stage is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- memory impairment;
- pain in the bones;
- severe fatigue;
- headache.
Hyperparathyroidism can have different forms:
- renal;
- gastrointestinal;
- bone;
- the neuropsychic.
Parathyroid gland - symptoms of disease in women
Any disease is easier to treat at the initial stage. For this reason, if a woman notices one or more signs of the development of pathology, one must immediately contact the endocrinologist. You can not wait - it's dangerous! Parathyroid gland symptoms can have different symptoms: it largely depends on the form of the disease that attacked the body. All of them signal a serious problem.
Parathyroid hyperplasia
This ailment is a pathology in the work of the endocrine system, which is accompanied by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone. This disease is associated with an increase in parathyroid glands in size. Diagnosed as in adults, and in childhood. At an early stage, the disease proceeds asymptomatically. Only a medical examination reveals this disease.
When parathyroid gland hyperplasia takes on a chronic form, patients complain of this condition:
- drowsiness;
- severe pain in the joints;
- disruptions in the digestive tract;
- prostration;
- nausea.
The larger the parathyroid gland increases, the more pronounced all the above symptoms appear. Sprawl of "islands" leads to hypercalcemia, which is accompanied by:
- anemia;
- mineral deposition on the cornea followed by cataract development;
- circulatory disorders;
- renal insufficiency;
- arthritis and so on.
Parathyroid adenoma
This is a hormonal tumor of a benign nature that provokes excessive production of parathyroid hormone. In women, this ailment is diagnosed in 2, and even 3 times more often than in men. In the high-risk zone, ladies aged 20-50 years. The adenoma of the parathyroid glands is accompanied by the following symptomatology:
- sharp weight loss;
- arthralgia;
- nausea;
- convulsions;
- loss of appetite;
- pain in the bones;
- depression;
- loss of teeth;
- hypertension;
- increased sweating;
- increased heart rate.
Parathyroid gland - diagnosis
To confirm the presence of a disease of an endocrine nature, the doctor prescribes a complete examination. Parathyroid glands are examined by different methods. Such diagnostics is necessary in the following cases:
- convulsions and other manifestations of increasing nervous excitability;
- numbness of limbs;
- stones in the kidneys;
- osteoporosis of unknown etiology.
Parathyroid scintigraphy
This method of research to date is considered the most accurate. Parathyroid gland scintigraphy is performed using radioactive isotopes. They are introduced into the body to the patient, and then with their special equipment their radiation is recorded. However, this method of diagnosis is not acceptable for pregnant, lactating and overweight women (if their weight exceeds 150 kg).
Ultrasound of the parathyroid gland
This diagnostic procedure does not require additional training. Ultrasound of the parathyroid glands is performed as follows:
- The patient is laid back on the couch.
- A roller is placed under his shoulders.
- The gel is applied to the site to be examined and a survey is performed.
- Reflection of these ultrasonic waves is fixed by a special device (it displays them on the screen).
Analyzes of the parathyroid gland
Such a diagnostic procedure shows a complete and reliable picture. Since parathyroid hormones produce hormones, a blood test helps identify the indicator of this substance in the serum. At the same time, several studies can be assigned. Blood for parathyroid hormone is given together with analysis for phosphorus and calcium. An in-depth examination allows the endocrinologist to obtain complete information about the state of metabolism.
Parathyroid - treatment
After a thorough examination confirming the diagnosis, the endocrinologist prescribes the optimal method of combating pathology. Parathyroid gland can be treated in two ways:
- medicamentous - is directed to correction of a hormone;
- Surgical - involves the complete or partial removal of parathyroid glands.
The prognosis of the course of the disease depends on various factors: the type of dysfunction, the stage of the disease and other features of the patient's body. When hyperparathyroidism during a seizure, women can be prescribed such drugs:
- antispasmodics;
- vitamin D;
- aluminum hydroxide;
- sedatives;
- magnesium sulfate;
- chloride or sodium gluconate.
The last drug is injected slowly intravenously. Injections are performed several times a day. At the same time, a medicinal product containing an extract of animal parathyroid glands is prescribed. However, long-term therapy with these drugs can not be done, because they produce the production of antibodies to parathyroid hormone. During the period of drug treatment, the doctor controls the parameters of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in the patient's body.
If the parathyroid capsule is underdeveloped, such a gland needs stimulation from the outside. For this endocrinologist can prescribe the following treatment:
- intravenous injection of parathyroid hormone;
- intake of calcium and vitamin D.
Operation on the parathyroid gland
If the condition of the endocrine system is neglected or an adenoma is diagnosed, surgery can not be avoided. All parathyroid diseases require immediate treatment, so the endocrinologist will advise the patient not to hesitate with the operation. Surgical intervention is performed under general anesthesia. Its duration can vary from one to several hours.
Parathyroid Removal
During the operation, the surgeon assesses the condition of the "islets" and the degree of their defeat. He will do everything to exclude the possibility of a future relapse. Surgical intervention can be carried out in the following ways:
- Thyroidectomy.
- Surgery to remove the parathyroid gland (one or more pairs).
- Elimination of the affected area.
Treatment of the parathyroid gland folk remedies
With dysfunction of the endocrine system, methods of alternative medicine can be used. They should be used only after agreement with the endocrinologist. Self-medication is dangerous, as it can lead to irreversible consequences. If, for example, an adenoma of the parathyroid is diagnosed, treatment with folk remedies is effective only at the initial stage of pathology.
Oat broth in hyperfunction
Ingredients:
- unpeeled oats - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- 2,5% fat content of milk - 1 l;
- water - 1 liter.
Preparation, use:
- The seeds are poured with water and the oats are brought to a boil.
- Reduce the fire to a small and languish the broth 3-3.5 hours.
- Pour in the milk, bring the mixture to a boil.
- Remove the dishes from the fire and insist a decoction of 8-10 hours.
- Strain the drug and drink in equal portions throughout the day.