The thyroid gland is considered one of the most important endocrine glands for the human body . It is here that thyroid hormones are produced that affect almost all metabolic processes. In addition, calcitonin, which is secreted here, is responsible for the exchange and accumulation of calcium, and, therefore, takes part in the process of bone formation. Diseases of the thyroid gland are dangerous to human health.
Thyroid diseases are very diverse, and they are usually associated with a decrease or, conversely, an increase in the level of hormonal secretion.
Hypothyroidism is a disease that results from a decrease in the level of hormones secreted by this gland. Such diseases of the thyroid gland develop very slowly and that is why sick people do not seek help for quite a long time. The main symptoms of such a violation are a significant increase in weight, constant swelling of the limbs, lethargy and a decrease in motor activity. In addition, hypothyroidism is manifested by excessive dryness of the skin, chilliness, constant drowsiness, hair loss. Patients also complain of significant memory impairment.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease that is directly related to increased secretion of thyroid hormones. The most striking symptom of such a condition is eyebrows. In addition, sick people complain of palpitations, increased sweating, trembling in the limbs and too frequent stools. Such diseases of the thyroid gland can be accompanied by insomnia, excessive nervousness and fussiness, tearfulness and constant excitability.
As a rule, such diseases of the thyroid gland are directly associated with a lack of iodine in the body, especially during embryonic development and childhood. In addition, important trace elements such as copper and selenium play an important role in the development of such conditions of the body. The treatment of such diseases should only be done by an experienced doctor. Before deciding on a method of treatment, it is necessary to find out the cause of the disease and eliminate it.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland , or , as it is also called, thyroiditis, develops in most cases against the background of a severe bacterial infection. Such a disease can be both acute and chronic. As a rule, antibiotics similar to penicillin are used to treat such a disease. In addition, patients are prescribed hydrocorticoids, which have a strong anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect. To improve the patient's condition, it is also possible to take antipyretic drugs.
With a severe purulent form of inflammation, surgical treatment of the thyroid gland is also possible , but only if conservative methods do not work.
A thyroid tumor is a serious illness, the causes of which are not yet fully understood. For example, it is believed that genetics plays an important role here and the disease can be transmitted from relatives. In addition, cancer of this gland can develop against a background of benign adenoma, cyst, or multinodal goiter. Another reason is radiation exposure and the penetration of radioactive iodine into the body , which is quickly absorbed by the thyroid gland.
As for the treatment methods for this form of cancer, it is quite diverse and, as a rule, is associated with the complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland along with the tumor. After this, the patient undergoes long-term treatment with the help of x-ray therapy and special iodine preparations. The prognosis of timely treatment in most cases is good, especially if doctors manage to restore the surviving parts of the gland after surgery.
Remember that if you are concerned about any symptoms of an incomprehensible origin, you need to contact an experienced endocrinologist. Remember that timely detection of a problem greatly facilitates and accelerates the treatment process.