Autoimmune thyroiditis, or, as it is also called, AIT of the thyroid gland, is a chronic disease that is accompanied by immune inflammation of the glandular tissue with its gradual destruction. Statistics show that AIT is much more often diagnosed among women than in males. Most often, it develops after the onset of 40 years, although with a hereditary form of the disease, its development can begin even in childhood.
Thyroid Ait: Causes
Most sick patients have a genetic tendency to develop such a disease. But even with a hereditary factor, the disease may not occur. And the following factors can provoke AIT:
- previous severe infectious disease, mainly of viral origin;
- the presence of foci of chronic inflammation (for example, chronic tonsillitis);
- poor environmental conditions;
- severe mental trauma;
- radiation exposure;
- incorrect intake of hormonal agents, as well as iodine-containing additives.
Separately, it is worth mentioning AIT of the thyroid gland, which develops after pregnancy. This form of the disease is most common. Its development is associated with the activation of the immune system, which is greatly weakened during gestation.
AIT of the thyroid gland: symptoms
Such a disease is quite difficult to detect, since the first phases of its development proceed with almost no visible symptoms. Only in rare cases is there a temporary increase in the size of the thyroid gland, which is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the throat. The patient may feel weakness, joint pain.
As the gland tissue is destroyed, symptoms of hypothyroidism begin to appear - the skin loses its elasticity, nails and hair become dull and brittle. A person may feel dry mouth, especially in the morning. The chair is broken. In women, malfunctions of the menstrual cycle are observed. Men complain of a strong decrease in sex drive and even partial impotence. If untreated, AIT of the thyroid gland becomes hypothyroidism.
AIT of the thyroid gland: diagnostic methods
In fact, it is quite difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stages, since a person is not yet concerned about any changes in the body. Therefore, if you have a hereditary disease in your family, you must regularly undergo a special examination.
First, the patient needs to pass several tests. An increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood will indicate the presence of latent inflammation. In addition, an analysis is carried out for the presence of antibodies to thyroid hormones in the blood, and the amount of thyroid hormones is also determined. Using ultrasound, you can detect changes in the size or structure of the gland. If necessary, a biopsy is prescribed - mainly in cases where there is a risk of malignant tumor formation.
AIT of the thyroid gland: treatment
The methods of treatment depend on the age of the patient, the phase of the development of the disease, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases. Unfortunately, in modern endocrinology an exact treatment strategy has not yet been developed.
The most commonly used drugs that contain synthesized thyroid hormones. If AIT is accompanied by other inflammatory diseases, then the patient is prescribed glucocorticoids. In some cases, immunotherapy methods are also used, since strengthening immunity has a positive effect on the process of restoring health. In more severe cases, which are accompanied by a strong increase in the volume of the gland or the formation of cysts, surgical removal of the thyroid gland can also be performed.
The prognosis for patients with such a diagnosis is quite favorable, since after the treatment course all the symptoms disappear. Nevertheless, such patients should be under constant medical supervision - this will provide an opportunity to notice the onset of relapse in time.