The constant deterioration of the modern natural environment negatively affects people's health. First of all, this affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Today, her diseases are no longer rare, but almost the norm. One of the most common thyroid diseases is autoimmune thyroiditis. For the first time this disease was investigated by the Japanese scientist Hashimoto, in connection with this it is often called by his name. There are several types of autoimmune thyroiditis, one of which is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is a chronic violation of the functional activity of the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis leads to the destruction of thyroid cells.
Autoimmune diseases are those that result in disruption of the human immune system: it, instead of alien microorganisms dangerous to human health, begins to fight the beneficial bacteria inherent in the human body, allowing harmful organisms to pass through. In autoimmune diseases, the lymphocytes of the human immune system produce antibodies that attack any of the human organs. With autoimmune thyroiditis, their activity is directed against the thyroid gland. This disease refers to chronic diseases.
What is the cause of this disease? As shown by long-term studies of the onset and development of a disease such as autoimmune thyroiditis, it is usually a hereditary disease. Therefore, if your next of kin suffered from this ailment, then you should also think about the possibility of its occurrence. However, other factors can provoke autoimmune thyroiditis. So, at risk are people who have recently experienced significant stress. In addition, the dependence of this disease on a person’s gender and age has been identified. In women, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is detected much more often than in men, and the optimal age for thyroiditis is 30-50 years. So, every 6-10th representative of the fair sex at the age of 50-60 years is sick of him. However, now there is a rejuvenation of this disease. Increasingly, it is found in children and adolescents. Favorable conditions for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis are considered to be the conditions of a polluted environment in the territory of human residence. However, the causes of thyroiditis can be various kinds of infectious and viral diseases.
As for the symptoms of the disease in question, it usually proceeds without any external signs. Autoimmune thyroiditis, symptoms can be detected only with a special examination of the thyroid gland. Often throughout the life of a person, his thyroid gland produces hormones that meet the standards. This condition of autoimmune thyroiditis is not dangerous, but requires periodic monitoring. The onset of symptoms of this disease is associated with a disruption in the production of hormones by the thyroid gland, first in a larger direction than the norm, which is called thyrotoxicosis, and then in a smaller one - hypothyroidism. Thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism are characterized by various signs. In the first case, the patient has excessive irritability, mood swings, problems with the work of the cardiovascular system, increased hair loss, weight loss, problems with the reproductive system. Such concepts as “autoimmune thyroiditis and pregnancy” are practically incompatible and require special monitoring of the expectant mother.
Hypothyroidism is accompanied by a feeling of weakness, depression, deterioration of the skin, swelling, decreased mood, overweight, decreased sweating, brittle nails, etc.
Regarding the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis, it should be noted that with strict observance of all the prescriptions of the endocrinologist, this disease can be cured.