Unfortunately, endocrine diseases are becoming more common. These diseases are so specific that a person may not notice the physical and psychological changes that occur to him until those around him point out these problems. This article will discuss diseases associated with the thyroid gland in humans.
What is the thyroid gland?
Before considering the features of the location of the thyroid gland in the body, you need to understand what kind of organ.
The thyroid gland is part of the
endocrine system, which stores iodine and produces three iodine-containing hormones involved in the metabolism.
- Thyroxine, or tetraiodothyronine (T4), is a precursor to the hormone triiodothyronine. It activates metabolism, is responsible for human growth and development, as well as for metabolism.
- Triiodothyronine (T3) is the main thyroid hormone. Along with the functions of thyroxine, it is responsible for the level of wakefulness, mental and motor activity. Increases blood pressure, blood glucose, enhances the breakdown of fat and inhibits its deposition.
- Calcitonin, or thyrocalcitonin (peptide hormone), prevents bone breakdown, prevents bone wear due to the incorporation of calcium.
The location of the thyroid gland, structure
The thyroid gland in the human body is a bipartite organ. The lobes are connected by an isthmus located under the larynx and attached to the gland by connective tissue. The shape of this organ is similar to the letter "H" or an inverted butterfly - the lower parts of both lobes are wide and shortened, and the upper ones, on the contrary, are narrow and long.
There are times when a person has an additional third fraction in the form of a pyramidal long process. This is not a deviation, but a feature of a particular organism. The thyroid gland is located under the
thyroid cartilage. It is called an Adam's apple, which is especially noticeable in men. Regarding the trachea, this is the place between its second and third rings. Despite the fact that Adam's apple is larger in men than in women, the very arrangement of the thyroid gland in women does not differ from the location in men. The functions of the thyroid gland in both sexes are also identical, only the female body (due to biological characteristics) can respond somewhat to problems with this organ in a slightly different way than the male.
We present a photo of the location of the thyroid gland in women. In this case, the patient has an increase in it. If the thyroid gland is normal, it is visually not visible.
According to the age line, the mass of the thyroid gland is as follows:
- Newborn baby - 5-6 gr.
- The first year of life - a decrease to 2-2.5 gr.
- By the transitional age - 10-14 gr.
- At 25 years old - 18-24 gr.
- In old age after 60 years - gradually decreases.
Volumetric indicators of the thyroid gland
On examination, the endocrinologist probes the gland to determine the degree of its increase. Three degrees of increase in this organ of the endocrine system can be distinguished:
- 0 degree - the absence of goiter.
- 1st degree - visually goiter seems absent, but is felt upon palpation.
- 2nd degree - the goiter is clearly visible in the normal position of the neck.
Types of Thyroid Disease
If there are problems with the thyroid gland and it stops producing hormones in the right amount, many important biological processes fail in the body, which entails various diseases:
- Hypothyroidism is a disease characterized by a long lack of iodine-containing hormones of the gland due to a decrease in its functioning.
- Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) - the opposite of hypothyroidism, manifests itself in the uncontrolled production of thyroid hormones and increased thyroid function.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis - chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland develops due to a genetic defect in the immune system.
- Myxedema is an extreme form of hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient supply of body tissues with iodine-containing hormones.
- Cretinism is a form of congenital hypothyroidism in which there is a decrease in the development of the child. There is a strong lack of iodine-containing hormones.
- Diffuse toxic goiter is a hereditary autoimmune disease. It is also called bazedovoy disease. Due to the excessive secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, poisoning with these hormones occurs (hyperthyroidism).
- Thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor marked by the appearance of nodes at the location of the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid cancer - is a malignant tumor in people who have problems with the endocrine system.
In women, hypothyroidism occurs more often 18-19 times than in men. There is one sick person per 1000 men, and 19 women per 1000 people.
Signs of endocrine system diseases
For various diseases of the thyroid gland, different signs of a course are characteristic. With hypothyroidism, this is:
- In the initial stage, the symptoms are mild.
- Sleep problems - insomnia or increased drowsiness.
- Fatigue, increased lethargy during the day.
- Swelling.
- Deterioration of memory and mental activity.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Fast weight gain, obesity.
- Violation of the female menstrual cycle.
- Reaction to too hot and cold weather.
- Decrease in body temperature.
- Hypotension and bradycardia.
- Depression
- Hair loss, brittle nails.
- Numbness of the limbs, cramps, muscle pain.
- Low hemoglobin in the blood, anemia.
- Decreased immunity.
- Decreased sexual function in men.
- Decreased adrenal function.
- During pregnancy, fetal malformations are observed.
Symptoms of mild hyperthyroidism
depending on the stage of the disease, the symptoms of its manifestation are different. With a mild form, they are as follows:
- Moderate weight loss.
- An increase in heart rate with tachycardia, but not more than a hundred beats per minute.
- Irritability appears.
- Increased sweating of the body even in conditions of normal ambient temperature.
Signs of moderate form
The moderate severity of hyperthyroidism is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Weight loss over 10 kg.
- Tachycardia up to 120 beats per minute, can even occur during sleep.
- Frequent loose stools.
- Finger tremors with tension on the hands.
- Irritability and irritability increase, tearfulness and general anxiety appear.
- Severe sweating (hyperhidrosis).
- Bulging eyeballs.
Severe symptoms
For a severe degree of hyperthyroidism are characteristic:
- Strengthening of all symptoms with moderate disease.
- There is a tremor of the whole body, not just hands.
- Sustained tachycardia up to 120-140 beats per minute or more.
- Pronounced weight loss.
- Strengthening of exophthalmos (bulging eyeballs).
- Visual increase in the size of the thyroid gland.
Treatment
In accordance with the disease of a particular person, the endocrinologist will prescribe a treatment suitable for the patient. There are three groups of treatment methods for this ailment:
- Elimination of the lack of thyroid hormones produced in the thyroid gland, the location of which we examined. The lack of hormones is compensated by taking hormone-containing drugs. Endocrinologists usually offer L-thyroxine, Eutirox, and inorganic iodine formulations, such as Thyrotom or Iodtirox. The exact dosage and drug can only be prescribed by your doctor! Most likely, you will have to take these drugs for life.
- For the treatment of diseases associated with hyperfunction of the endocrine system, thyreostatics are used. These may be “Tyrosol”, “Merkazolil” or “Propitsil” preparations. They inhibit the production of thyroid-stimulating hormones, are used to treat hyperthyroidism and to prepare for surgery. Simultaneously with thyreostatics, beta-blockers or drugs with a sedative effect can be prescribed.
- The operation is a last resort in case of serious problems with the thyroid gland located in the cervical region of a person. This is a resection or complete removal of the organ - thyroidectomy. It is difficult to anatomically carry out operations on the thyroid gland due to the formations adjacent to it, which are easily damaged during surgery. This can lead to serious or life-threatening consequences for the patient. The Nobel laureate Theodor Kocher developed safe methods for operating the thyroid gland, taking into account its active blood supply. A photo of the location of the thyroid gland is presented above.
Endocrine Disease Prevention
A huge role in the prevention of endocrine diseases is played by proper nutrition. Products such as sea fish, seaweed, iodized salt, fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in iodine, so they must be included in the diet.
From drinks, the menu should include clean water of at least two liters per day, you can drink green tea and freshly squeezed juices. People living in areas with a low iodine content, for example in the highlands, should take iodine preparations, for example, "Iodomarin". Important for the prevention of sports, fresh air and the absence of bad habits in humans. Prevention of diseases of the endocrine system in many respects coincides with the prevention of any other human diseases. Do not forget about the right lifestyle, but if you feel that your health is malfunctioning, consult a doctor immediately.