The most common diseases of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is considered one of the most important glands of internal secretion for the human body . It is here that thyroid hormones are produced that affect virtually all metabolic processes. In addition, calcitonin, which is secreted here, is responsible for the exchange and accumulation of calcium, and therefore takes part in the formation of bone tissue. Diseases of the thyroid gland are dangerous to human health.

Diseases of the thyroid gland are very diverse, and they are associated, as a rule, with a decrease or, conversely, an increase in the level of hormonal secretion.

Hypothyroidism is a disease that is the result of a decrease in the level of hormones released by this gland. Such diseases of the thyroid gland develop very slowly and that is why sick people do not seek help for a long time. The main symptoms of this disorder are a significant increase in weight, constant puffiness of the limbs, lethargy and decreased motor activity. In addition, hypothyroidism manifests excessive dryness of the skin, chilliness, constant drowsiness, hair loss. Patients also complain of a significant memory impairment.

Hyperthyroidism is a disease that is directly associated with increased secretion of thyroid hormones. The most striking symptom of this state is eyelashes. In addition, sick people complain of increased heart rate, increased sweating, tremors in the limbs and too frequent stools. Such diseases of the thyroid gland can be accompanied by insomnia, excessive nervousness and fussiness, tearfulness and constant excitability.

As a rule, such diseases of the thyroid gland are directly related to the lack of iodine in the body, especially during embryonic development and childhood. In addition, such important trace elements as copper and selenium play an important role in the development of such states of the body. Treatment of such diseases should be handled only by an experienced doctor. Before you decide on the method of treatment, you need to find out the cause of the disease and eliminate it.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland , or , as it is called, thyroiditis, develops in most cases against a background of severe bacterial infection. Such a disease can be both acute and chronic. As a rule, antibiotics similar to penicillin are used to treat this disease. In addition, patients are prescribed hydrocorticoids, which have a strong anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect. To improve the patient's condition, it is also possible to take antipyretic drugs.

With a severe purulent form of inflammation, surgical treatment of the thyroid gland is possible , but only if conservative methods do not work.

A thyroid tumor is a serious disease, the causes of which are not yet fully understood. For example, it is believed that genetics plays an important role here, and the disease can be transmitted from relatives. In addition, the cancer of this gland can develop against a benign adenoma, cyst or multinodular goiter. Another reason is irradiation with radiation and penetration into the body of radioactive iodine, which is quickly absorbed by the thyroid gland.

As for the methods of treating this form of cancer, it is quite diverse and, as a rule, involves the complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland along with the tumor. After this, the patient undergoes long-term treatment with X-ray therapy and special iodine preparations. The prognosis of timely treatment is in most cases good, especially if the doctors manage to restore the surviving parts of the gland after the operation.

Remember, that if you are concerned about some symptoms of not quite clear origin, you need to turn to an experienced endocrinologist. Remember that timely detection of the problem greatly facilitates and speeds up the treatment process.