According to medical data, the number of people with thyroid diseases is increasing every year in the world . The clinical picture and signs of the thyroid gland depend on the type and course of the pathological process of the endocrine system. According to experts, the vast majority of patients with this disease are observed among women.
general information
The thyroid gland in shape resembles a butterfly. This vital organ is located in front of the trachea on the surface of the neck. He takes an active part in the synthesis of two hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The level of hormone secretion is under the stimulating influence of the thyroid stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland.
If there is a change in the level of secretion of these hormones, pathological processes throughout the body begin. Today, science knows more than 10 different diseases, the main ones include: malignant tumors, myxedema, thyroid adenoma, thyroiditis, etc. Forecasts, methods of treatment, course, signs of the thyroid gland and diagnosis are specific.
For many decades, scientists around the world have thoroughly studied the etiological factors of the disease, and to date, no single answer has been found. But experts agreed that the disease in some cases is inherited. Under the influence of negative influences from the outside, factors can be activated.
It is also known that in the development of some pathologies of the thyroid gland, infectious agents, iodine deficiency, solar insolation, and stressful situations are of great importance. This list is far from exhaustive and quite wide.
Consider the main signs of thyroid disease
In violation of metabolic processes and an increase in thyroid hormones , patients have weakness, arrhythmia, tremor, tearfulness, sharp weight loss and irritability. With a decrease in these hormones (hypothyroidism), metabolism slows down, this is manifested by an increase in body weight, dry skin, fatigue, apathy, elevated blood pressure, hair loss and bradycardia (decreased heart rate). Typically, with hypothyroidism, thyroid symptoms are mild.
There are frequent cases when hypothyroidism leads to infertility in women or defects in the fetus (changes in the central nervous system). Therefore, expectant mothers before conception must undergo a full examination by an endocrinologist. In the presence of this disease, patients experience a decrease or increase in organ size, a change in consistency (density), and the appearance of small nodules (tumors, growths).
The first signs of a thyroid gland with its increase: shortness of breath, feeling of tightness in the neck, hoarseness, pain when throwing the head back, difficulty swallowing. With its considerable size, nearby organs and tissues are compressed. The appearance of pain in the thyroid gland can indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the tissues or hemorrhage in the organ node. Very rarely, an increase in lymph nodes indicates the development of malignant tumors.
In 80% of cases, there are no signs of thyroid gland during the development of tumors. Therefore, many people with pathological processes do not visit a doctor for a long time, thinking that they are healthy. Given these circumstances, doctors advise everyone, without exception, to have an ultrasound scan once a year. A more complete information will show a blood test for hormone levels.