Due to the advancement of detection and diagnostic technology, Hashimoto thyroiditis is increasingly appearing in our sights, Dr. Zhang Li said that many patients when they first hear this name, they think the name is long and strange, so why call it Hashimoto thyroiditis?
Where Hashimoto's thyroiditis comes from
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system is in a normal state, affected by the invasion of bacteria and viruses from the outside world, it will struggle to resist and attack, remove these "foreign bodies" and protect the human body;
But sometimes the immune system can't distinguish between friend and foe, so it attacks randomly, and when it attacks the thyroid gland, it's thyroiditis. A combination of genetics and the external and internal environment can also lead to thyroiditis.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis can continue to damage the thyroid gland and affect thyroid function, but this process is slow and can be divided into four stages depending on the progression of the disease.
1. Normal thyroid function
The thyroid gland functions normally with few symptoms. The results of antithyroglobulin antibodies and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies are increased during blood tests. Colored doppler ultrasound of the thyroid gland may indicate uneven thyroid parenchymal changes.
2. Hyperthyroid phase
Dr. Zhang Li said that the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are mild, such as loss of appetite, easy fatigue, mild insomnia, irritability, etc. Severe hyperthyroidism occurs with significant hyperthyroid symptoms such as weight loss, herniation, eyelid edema, and decreased vision. A large proportion of people with mild illness do not have any symptoms in their lives.
3. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism coexist
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be slightly higher or normal. Symptoms of hypothyroidism appear. At this stage, the thyroid gland can only barely maintain its normal function.
4. Hypothyroidism
With the decrease in thyroxine secretion, there are obvious symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as anorexia, memory loss, drowsiness, slow response, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, etc. Some patients may have symptoms of hyperthyroidism index and hyperthyroidism because of increased inflammation.
Dr. Zhang Li said that because the condition may continue to deteriorate, when the thyroid gland cannot maintain normal function, it will enter a state of hypothyroidism, which is likely to last for life.
What about Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
1. Thyroid function is normal, there are no symptoms, it is recommended to review regularly (every six months to 1 year follow-up).
If you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you may opt for medication.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis develops slowly, insidiously, with a long course of illness and no apparent sensation in the early stages. However, when goiter develops, the disease tends to reach 2-4 years. Most patients find hypothyroidism, so try to have regular physical examinations and early detection and early treatment.