The thyroid gland belongs to that category of organs that have a significant effect on the state of the whole organism. Therefore, any disease is fraught with serious consequences, and in the case of neglect of treatment, even disability or a more fatal outcome. Given this fact, it is worth examining possible functional disorders of the thyroid gland.
What is the thyroid gland?
This important organ is the gland of internal secretion. The production of hormones, which make it possible to stably maintain the process of homeostasis, can be defined as its main function. Without this, the full-fledged work of the whole organism as a whole is not possible.
The thyroid gland is located in the region of the anterior triangle of the neck, bounded above by the base of the lower jaw, below - by the jugular notch of the sternum, and on the sides - by the front edges of the right and left sternocleidomastoid muscles. As a person grows older, the location of this organ may change somewhat. For example, if in children iron is fixed at the level of the thyroid cartilage, then in people aged it is omitted significantly lower (in this position, this organ forms the so-called sternal goiter).
Parameters and composition
The thyroid gland is an organ composed of two lobes and an isthmus. The isthmus itself is located directly on the front surface of the trachea. But the lobes are adjacent to it on the left and right sides. In some cases, it is also possible the presence of an additional share having a pyramidal shape.
It is worth noting that the thyroid gland is the largest element of the endocrine system. Moreover, its right lobe is larger than the left and is characterized by abundant vascularization. If we talk about the mass of the thyroid gland, then it, as a rule, is in the range from 20 to 60 grams. Moreover, this indicator increases during puberty and decreases with the onset of old age.
An interesting fact is that the thyroid gland in women is smaller than in men, although it becomes larger during pregnancy. Also, for this organ, which is one of the most circulating, the presence of an external and internal connecting capsule is characteristic. It is the outer capsule that performs the key function in the formation of the ligamentous apparatus, which is necessary for fixing the gland on the trachea and larynx.
Blood supply process
The thyroid gland is the organ that needs a significant amount of blood to function properly. It is for this reason that it has an extensive venous and developed arterial system. If we compare the intensity of blood flow in different parts of the body, then in the thyroid gland it will be 50 times stronger than in muscle fibers. This indicator can significantly increase in case of diseases that are accompanied by increased secretion of hormones.
Blood supply to the thyroid gland is carried out by means of two upper and lower thyroid arteries, which form anastomoses between themselves. The outflow of blood and lymph occurs due to the active work of the venous and lymphatic systems. In the event of pathological conditions, thyroid-stimulating and thyroid-blocking immunoglobulins, as well as antithyroid antibodies, are derived from the thyroid gland.
The innervation of the thyroid gland becomes possible thanks to the branches of the vagus nerve and the branches of the cervical ganglia.
Hormone function
It is worth recalling that the thyroid gland is an element of the endocrine system. So, it makes sense to talk about the production of hormones. This body secretes three types of substances: calcitonin (a peptide hormone) and two iodine-containing elements - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The apical part of the thyroid epithelium, as well as the intrafollicular space, helps to synthesize the latter (it has a partial effect). Calcitonin production occurs due to the thymus and parathyroid glands, with the active assistance of C-cells. Without it, the regulation of potassium and phosphorus metabolism in the human body would not have been possible.
In fact, the thyroid hormone is a substance that is characterized by biological activity. In the process of this activity, it has a remote effect on various cells of the body.
Thyroid hormones, for example, are necessary for the successful synthesis of proteins in organs and tissues. And thyroglobulin serves as a reserve for them. But the main goal of thyroid hormones is to provide chemical reactions that play a key role in the process of generating the energy necessary for the body to function properly, even at rest.
Thyroid hormone is an element without which the proper functioning of the heart, intestinal peristalsis and stable maintenance of the desired body temperature become impossible.
Thyroid disorders
Hormones have a significant effect on the entire body, maintaining the main metabolism at the right level. Therefore, in the case of their excess, this metabolism accelerates, and in case of deficiency it slows down.
All possible pathologies of the thyroid gland can be divided into several main types:
- diseases accompanied by a decrease in hormone levels - hypothyroidism;
- pathologies in which the synthesis of hormones (thyrotoxicosis) increases;
- diseases that occur without changes in the functional activity of the gland, but stimulate morphological changes in its structure (hyperplasia, goiter, the formation of nodes, etc.).
One of the main reasons leading to the emergence of pathological conditions is the lack of iodine in the body. Therefore, it is always important to monitor nutrition, as there are products that enrich cells with this useful element, as well as prevent its penetration into the thyroid tissue.
Common diseases
Perhaps, it is worth starting with a diagnosis such as a thyroid gland node. This disease has complicated the lives of many people. In fact, the thyroid gland is a small part of its tissue that is surrounded by a capsule. Such a change is caused by a lack of iodine, as a result of which the iron begins to work more intensively, absorbing this element from the blood. The appearing goiter dilates blood vessels, while densifying the tissue. The result of this process is the formation of a node. Focal thyroid changes are another name for this pathology.
Doctors are increasingly faced with the appearance of several seals at the same time, the danger of which lies in the fact that they can develop from benign to malignant. If such changes have nevertheless occurred, an operation is necessary. A benign node does not require surgical intervention and is treated by enriching the body with iodine.
Thyroid vascularization is another problem that is closely related to the formation of nodes. Its essence boils down to the fact that in addition to the four arteries in the gland, new blood vessels are formed, the appearance of which is caused by seals (nodes). The fact that vascularization is increased can be found by the following symptoms:
- painful muscle sensations;
- frequent occurrence of goiter sensation;
- differences in blood pressure;
- rapid weight change;
- sweating;
- the formation of edema;
- hormonal disorders;
- increased drowsiness and fatigue.
In addition to these manifestations of increased blood flow in the thyroid gland, attention and memory, and sometimes even sexual function, may also decrease. For the treatment of such a pathology, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist.
Incorrect function
The integrity of the immune system itself, as well as the functioning of the body as a whole, depend on the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Therefore, any failure is fraught with tangible consequences.
Decreased thyroid function is weakening of the work of this body. This problem has another name - hypofunction. There are several reasons why functional activity may decrease:
- diseases that arose due to inflammation of the gland or its injury;
- congenital malformations;
- lack of iodine in the body;
- extremely unfavorable environmental factors that led to damage to the thyroid gland.
As for the secondary hypofunction, then in this case it is worth paying attention to the defeat of the pituitary gland, which regulates the gland.
Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is another problem that cannot be ignored. The bottom line is that the full functioning of all body systems and their ability to cope with constant loads depends on the rate of hormone production. If the functions of the thyroid gland are slowed down, this will give rise to a chain reaction, as a result of which the general condition of a person will be significantly aggravated. And if before that there were other health problems, then it will become much more difficult to overcome them.
The most common treatment technique with a similar diagnosis is hormone replacement therapy. Sometimes, in order to return the functionality of the gland to normal, it is enough to take thyroid hormones for several months.
Another problem that deserves attention is the hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. This is a syndrome that develops due to increased production of hormones such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine.
This disease can be divided into three types: primary, secondary and tertiary hyperthyroidism. In most cases, the background for the development of such a problem is diffuse toxic goiter. It is this type of compaction of the gland tissue that can be attributed to the factor that provokes excessive production of hormones.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease that can develop due to subacute thyroiditis, viral damage to the gland, nodular goiter or toxic adenoma. The consequences of such an unpleasant diagnosis are severe nervousness, memory impairment, ophthalmopathy (effervescence), accompanied by an increase in the thyroid gland, insomnia and poisoning of the body with excess hormones.
In general, there is an excessive tension of all systems and organs, leading to irreversible changes. As a result, a person can become disabled and even die. Hyperthyroidism is treated with medications that reduce hormone production, by surgery and with radioactive iodine.
Other common pathologies
Often, ordinary people have to deal with such a serious diagnosis as thyroid hyperplasia. This is nothing more than an increase in the functional cells of a given organ. As a result, the size of the thyroid gland noticeably increases. This is known to many as the so-called goiter.
The cause of this disease can be either excessive or insufficient production of hormones. But in general, a similar syndrome can develop on the basis of completely different diseases. And depending on the cause, the treatment strategy also changes. The growth of functional cells itself has several types:
- nodular (an increase in the size of the gland due to the appearance of cysts and nodes);
- diffuse (uniform increase without the formation of seals);
- mixed.
The fact that the thyroid gland enlargement syndrome develops can be determined by such signs as rapid weight change, the appearance of swelling in the neck, excessive constant excitability, restless sleep and nervousness. These symptoms will help you recognize the onset of hyperplasia and take appropriate action quickly.
Another pathology that endocrinologists often have to treat is thyroid hypoplasia. it congenital malformation, which is manifested in the insufficient development of the tissue of this organ. The reason why people have to face such a diagnosis is the lack of iodine in the body of a woman during pregnancy. Various defects of intrauterine development can also play a negative role while lowering the function of the thyroid gland during the period of gestation. This disease can be detected already in childhood, since it is the cause of the development of hypothyroidism and cretinism.
A key method of overcoming hypoplasia is the use of thyroid hormones. And with the treatment should not be delayed. You will also have to provide your child with massage and therapeutic exercises. This is important for the reason that in most cases, children with a similar disease develop a violation of muscle tone and movements.
There are frequent cases when patients come to endocrinologists with such a problem as a heterogeneous thyroid gland. What is this is best explained by the terminology of ultrasound therapy, according to which a similar problem is called diffuse change. This is a change in the tissues of the thyroid gland, in which the entire organ reflects the sound incorrectly.
There may be several reasons for this change, the main one is a constant lack of iodine in the body. Uneven tissue of the thyroid gland also develops on the basis of the following diseases: subacute thyroiditis, endemic goiter, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, diffuse toxic and mixed goiter. As a rule, tissue inflammation occurs due to pathological aggression of the body's immune system.
Speaking about treatment, it is worth noting that any improvisation is fraught with negative consequences, so you must initially visit a qualified doctor. In most cases, specialists prescribe products containing iodine or potassium iodide to patients. But in case of detection of thyroid dysfunction, a synthetic analogue of thyroid hormone is prescribed. In the event that the expanding tissues begin to exert pressure on neighboring organs, it is worth seriously considering surgical intervention.
It is also important to know about such a problem as increased echogenicity of the thyroid gland. What is it, can be understood only if ultrasound is used. The bottom line is that this term is used only to describe the picture of ultrasound. This word characterizes the ability of a tissue to reflect high-frequency sound directed at it.
The fact of a change in the ultrasound picture indicates the appearance of any pathology. In any case, the ultrasound technique helps to more accurately diagnose a violation in the state or functions of the thyroid gland.
Autoimmune thyroiditis
This problem deserves special attention. It is important to understand, faced with a diagnosis such as "thyroid gland AIT", that this is a serious enough disease that requires a thorough approach to the treatment process. The essence of this problem is that there is a chronic inflammation of the tissues in the body that has an autoimmune origin. The reason for the development of this condition is the negative effect of the body's immune system on thyroid cells.
It is worth noting that a similar diagnosis makes up to 30% of all diseases associated with the gland. Moreover, this problem occurs in women 15-20 times more often than in men. At risk are people aged 40 to 50 years.
Autoimmune thyroiditis can be divided into several types:
- painless . It develops with a significant decrease in immunity and is at the same time idiopathic in nature.
- Cytokine-induced . This form of the disease manifests itself after the use of interferon, which is used to treat liver and blood diseases.
- Chronic . The reason for the development of this type of thyroiditis is an increase in the number of antibodies and T-lymphocytes in the tissues of the gland.
- Postpartum . The disease develops due to pregnancy.
Of course, understanding the question "thyroid gland AIT - what is it?", It is worth paying attention to treatment. Having heard such a diagnosis, you first need to go to the doctor. In most cases, after diagnosis, patients are prescribed hormone replacement therapy. You need to take the prescribed drugs every day with a constant increase in the dose.
If the disease is in an advanced stage, and the goiter has reached significant size, then you will have to seek the help of surgeons, since without surgical intervention it is unlikely to achieve tangible progress in treatment.
It is important not to resort to the use of antibiotics during the manifestation of inflammation. This will not help to neutralize the effect of the virus, and the pathology will continue to progress. It is necessary to focus on competent and timely therapy under the guidance of a specialist. It is this approach that can give the desired result.
The importance of prevention
Based on the above information, it can be concluded that the thyroid gland affected by any disease is dangerous.Therefore, for any suspicious symptoms, it is necessary to go for an examination and, if a pathological condition of the organ is detected, immediately proceed to treatment. In order to minimize the risk of thyroid disease, you need to follow a few simple rules: enrich your diet with foods that are high in iodine, constantly rehabilitate the oral cavity (often through the teeth affected by caries, the infection penetrates the gland) and thoroughly approach the treatment of any colds.
With competent and thorough prevention, many difficulties associated with thyroid diseases can be avoided.