disease conditions hashimotos disease symptoms cause complications

HASHIMOTOS DISEASE (HASHIMOTOS THYROIDITIS)

WHATIS HASHIMOTOS DISEASE?

Hashimotos thyroiditis ,also called as Hashimotos disease is an auto-immune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, mainly in female. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and it consists of two types of cells, one type is follicular cells that produce and secrete hormones T4 and T3. The other types of cells are para-follicular (C) cells that secrete calcitonin which has a calcium-lowering effect. These hormones have a very vital role in regulating various functions of the body. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system forms antibodies against its cells. Hashimotos disease is caused by the immune system attacking cells of thyroid glands which leads to the loss of thyroid hormones producing cells which ultimately causes a decline in thyroid hormones level. There is associated inflammation and swelling of the thyroid gland. It is also known as HASHIMOTOS DISEASE or CHRONIC AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HASHIMOTOS DISEASE?

As it is an auto-immune disorder, the immune system makes antibodies against the thyroid gland as if it were some foreign body. The onset of this disease is significantly associated with genetic predisposition or due to some environmental triggers.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HASHIMOTOS DISEASE?

• Genetic Factors
• Family History
• Female gender
• Age, it can occur at any age but is more common in middle-aged persons
• Immune disorders
• In pregnancy, changes occur in the immune system during pregnancy that may be a triggering factor in the development of this disease.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HASHIMOTOS DISEASE?

• Painless and symmetrical swelling in the neck
• Sluggishness and Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold, and shivering.
• Dry Skin
• Constipation
• Brittle Nails and Hair Loss
• Muscle aches and tenderness
• Swelling of the Thyroid Gland
• Puffy Face

HOW HASHIMOTOS DISEASE IS DIAGNOSED?

Levels of antibodies are measured against thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase enzyme. Raised levels of Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and low levels of T3 and T4 are present. Sometimes, there is a transient stage of thyrotoxicosis where thyroid hormone levels increase.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HASHIMOTOS DISEASE?

The low levels of thyroid hormones are treated by giving thyroxin therapy. You need to visit your doctor for treatment of your Hashimoto thyroiditis.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HASHIMOTOS DISEASE?

Hashimoto disease needs to be treated as soon as possible because normal levels of thyroid hormones are important for the healthy functioning of the body. If it is left untreated, the following complications can occur

• Goiter- swelling of the gland usually occurs due to a decline in thyroid hormones. A large gland can interfere with swallowing.
• Heart problems and raised levels of LDL(Low-density lipoproteins)
• Depression
• Dysregulated sexual and reproductive functions- reduced libido and erectile dysfunction in men and inovulation and irregular menstrual bleeding due to low thyroid hormones.
• There is a risk for the development of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients.
• Myxoedema- an extreme complication of hypothyroidism with multiple organ abnormalities characterized by increased sensitivity to cold, reduced cardiac output, mental sluggishness mimicking depression, lethargy, coarse hair, dry, pale, and cool skin.