Chronic thyroiditis is a disease (in most cases very severe) of the thyroid gland, which is characterized by its inflammation. In this process, the body’s own antibodies damage or completely destroy the gland cells. As a rule, women who have crossed the 40-year frontier are most affected by this disease. In recent years, it has been observed that the number of young people and children affected by this disease has increased.
Chronic thyroiditis: causes
There are several factors that provoke this disease:
- viral infections;
- exposure to radiation waves;
- focal infections of a chronic nature, which include: sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, adnexitis and many others;
- hereditary predisposition (the patient has relatives with thyroid disease, diabetes, chronic thyroiditis, etc.);
- the intake of iodine in the body in large volumes (500 mcg per day or more).
Chronic thyroiditis: symptoms
Very often this disease proceeds without any noticeable changes in the patient’s body, but in the majority of cases it is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- There is a feeling of tightening and pressure in the neck.
- Sensation of a lump in the throat.
- Constant unmotivated fatigue and weakness.
- Strong sensitivity of the thyroid gland and the appearance of pain during palpation.
- In some cases, eye diseases may occur.
- Chronic thyroiditis is manifested by an increase in pressure.
- Cold intolerance.
- The thyroid gland becomes very elastic and dense to the touch.
- Constipation
- Swelling of the lower extremities and face.
- Weight gain.
- Muscle cramps.
- The appearance of "bags" under the eyes.
- When the disease is accompanied by hyperthyroidism, tachycardia, excessive sweating, and tremor of fingers on the hands can be observed.
Chronic thyroiditis: treatment
At the moment, drugs that would save the patient from this ailment have not been invented. Therefore, the main methods of treating thyroiditis are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, removing the inflammatory process with non-steroidal drugs and stimulating the thyroid gland. Drug therapy is prescribed immediately after the detection of the disease, even if at the moment the organ is functioning well. One of the most famous drugs that prevent the development of hypothyroidism is the L-thyroxine. Its dosage is prescribed depending on the age of the patient and the level of TSH in the blood.
Chronic thyroiditis: treatment with folk remedies
Alternative medicine will also help get rid of this disease. The most famous tool is a nut tincture, which is prepared as follows:
- 30 pieces of green walnuts are taken and chopped;
- then they are mixed with a glass of honey and a liter of vodka;
- the mixture is infused for 2 weeks (periodically need to stir);
- after the time, the tincture is filtered;
- consume in the morning a tablespoon 30 minutes before meals.