Autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or. The two main types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both conditions can be caused by other diseases that affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all metabolic processes in the body.
Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlargement of the gland) that doesn't need treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Excess thyroid hormone causes a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.
While the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be well managed if properly diagnosed and treated. Gender (women at higher risk) Family or personal history of autoimmune disorders (celiac disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is Hashimoto's disease. In people with Hashimoto's disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid.
This attack damages the thyroid, so it doesn't produce enough hormones. Two common types of thyroiditis are Hashimoto's disease and postpartum thyroiditis. The two main causes of thyroid disorders are a nutrient deficiency and self-disease. Iodine is a crucial nutrient for thyroid function.
The thyroid hormone is rich in iodine and iodine deficiency can cause both hypothyroidism and goiter (inflammation of the thyroid gland) (. Zinc is necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis and zinc deficiency has been shown to cause hypothyroidism (. Selenium, a cofactor of iodothyronine deiodinase, is needed to convert T4 (the inactive form of thyroid hormone) to T3 (the active form of thyroid hormone). Selenium deficiency exacerbates conditions caused by inadequate iodine intake.
For hypothyroidism and the diseases associated with it, the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which also causes a lack of energy. If left untreated for long periods of time, hypothyroidism can cause myxedematous coma, a rare but life-threatening condition that requires immediate hormonal treatment. A doctor or health professional can diagnose hyperthyroidism by performing tests that measure your thyroid hormone levels or how well your thyroid works. This will show the levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream and could be an important step in properly diagnosing and treating your condition.
These two hormones are created by the thyroid and tell the body's cells how much energy they should use. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs. Graves' disease is another autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland but causes the thyroid to enlarge and become overactive, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. (.Physicians have been debating the concept of universal thyroid testing in pregnant women for quite some time.
Radioactive iodine therapy kills any thyroid cancer cells that have not been removed during surgery or that have spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, thyroid disease can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are easily confused with those of other conditions. It May be present at birth (usually hypothyroidism) and may develop as you age (often after menopause in women). You can determine if your patient's thyroid problems are due to an autoimmune process by testing for thyroid antibodies (thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies).
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's Apple. Your doctor may also give you radioactive iodine by mouth or as an injection and then measure how much your thyroid gland absorbs. This can happen because of inflammation in the thyroid, called thyroiditis, which causes the thyroid to create excess hormones.
For medical workers exposed to radiation, we suggest using radiation detection badges from radiatonsafety.com.
