Hashimoto's thyroiditis - or autoimmune (lymphomatous) thyroiditis is a chronic disease leading to destruction of the thyroid gland due to exposure to cells of autoimmune factors. The disease is more often diagnosed in middle-aged women, but cases are also common among young people.
Despite the fact that the study of the disease was started by the Japanese doctor Hakaru Hashimoto (after whom she was named) more than 100 years ago, there is no precise information about the causes of the disease. But it was revealed that the autoimmune thyroiditis of Hashimoto is hereditary. In addition, there is an undeniable link between the ecology of the locality and the incidence rate among the population. Predisposing factors may be migrated viral infections and deeply experienced stressful situations.
Symptoms of thyroiditis Hashimoto
Experts note that the symptomatology of autoimmune thyroiditis depends on the severity of the disease. As a rule, the manifestations of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are typical for patients. With excessive hormone production, thyroxin is observed:
- cardiopalmus;
- increased nervousness, mood swings;
- general weakness;
- violation of the menstrual cycle;
- severe sweating;
- diarrhea ;
- pronounced thinness.
For patients with atrophied thyroid gland, and, consequently, with insufficient secretion, are characterized by:
- slowing of the heart rate;
- high fatigue;
- constipation;
- depressive state;
- significant weight gain.
If the disease is not treated, then a decrease in memory, a loss of clarity of mind and, eventually, dementia may develop (senile dementia). Other complications are possible:
- severe arrhythmias;
- myocardial infarction;
- atherosclerosis;
- lymphoma of the thyroid gland, etc.
Diagnosis of thyroiditis Hashimoto
If you suspect a Hashimoto thyroiditis, you should contact an endocrinologist. The doctor conducts a general examination, collects an anamnesis and appoints tests to identify the level of the hormone and antithyroid autoantibodies. To determine the degree of development of the disease, a thyroid gland is recommended using an ultrasound machine.
Treatment of thyroiditis Hashimoto
If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is diagnosed, then constant monitoring is necessary for the endocrinologist, even if there are no pronounced changes in the hormonal background, and special preparations are not prescribed. A patient who is registered with a specialist should be on time for examinations and at least once in six months to give blood for analysis.
Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis Hashimoto is primarily in the approximation of the level of thyroxine to the norm. Indications for the therapy of thyroiditis Hashimoto are either diffuse toxic goiter , or hypothyroidism. The doctor appoints the patient a synthesized thyroxine. Additionally, the use of preparations containing selenium is recommended. In cases of a large increase in goiter with compression of the trachea or vessels of the neck and the formation of nodes (especially the size of more than 1 cm), a surgical operation is performed. Also, if a malignant character of the formation is suspected, a puncture biopsy
With the development of hypothyroidism, a therapy is prescribed that provides regression of the goiter at dosages determined individually by the treating physician. The most popular for today are pharmaceutical preparations:
- Levothyroxine;
- L-thyroxine;
- Eutiroks.
With timely and adequate therapy, the prognosis is quite favorable.