What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and why it develops

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) - an autoimmune (arose against the backdrop of an allergy to their own tissues), thyroid disease, leading usually to a breach of its functions.

Our immune system is constructed so that in response to the introduction of any foreign substances (antigens), it begins to produce antibodies which are connected to the antigen to form an insoluble, easily excretes complexes. Underlying autoimmune thyroiditis is breaking certain parts of the immune system, resulting in starting to produce antibodies to the tissues of the thyroid gland, which destroy its cell. The destruction of these cells initially released into the blood and a large amount of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects   (the phenomenon of increased thyroid function or hyperthyroidism), and then the thyroid loses its function (phenomenon of reduced thyroid function, or hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland is at the same time can be increased (the hypertrophic form) or decrease (atrophic form) in size.

Provoking moment in the development of the disease can be any damage caused by violation of the integrity of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone entry into the bloodstream. This can be surgery, radiation therapy, inflammation, injury, and so on). A certain importance is inadequate intake of iodine, as well as a genetic predisposition to immunological disorders (often a disease can be found in close relatives of patients).

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

The disease usually begins gradually over several years, although it is possible and more rapid progression of the disease. Latent (without any sign of disease) is characterized by a step of increase in blood levels of antibodies to the thyroid gland. Thyroid function at this stage is not broken. Later manifestations of the disease depend on its form (atrophic or hypertrophic).

Atrophic form of autoimmune thyroiditis is more common in the elderly and is usually manifested by lethargy, weakness, sleepiness, decreased performance, hearing loss, dry skin. Swelling of the face, a change in tone and hoarseness, slow heart rate and other signs of low thyroid function.

In hypertrophic form one of the earliest and most characteristic signs of the disease is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Patients complain of a feeling of pressure, sometimes pain in the neck, hoarseness due to compression of the nerves, or enlarged thyroid gland swelling Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   laryngeal mucosa. The thyroid gland is enlarged, dense, with a rough surface, mobile, often painless. Nearby lymph nodes are not enlarged. Depending on the functional state (number allocated hormones) thyroid in hypertrophic form of autoimmune thyroiditis isolated hyperthyroid (with an increased release of thyroid hormones), hypothyroid (with reduced release of thyroid hormones) and euthyroid (normal function) forms, which are often phases the same process.

Hyperthyroid form is manifested by malaise, sweating, fever, weight loss, palpitations, and other symptoms of a thyroid hormone The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones   (hyperthyroidism). Later replaced by hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism phenomenon but may be repeated periodically throughout the disease.

Hypothyroid form is characterized by symptoms of hypothyroidism. When euthyroid form dense thyroid gland for many years may be the only sign of an autoimmune thyroiditis. Sometimes euthyroid form appears exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeball).

Children and youths autoimmune thyroiditis is characterized by less pronounced than in adults, the increase in thyroid Increase in thyroid - that underlies the disease   and fewer antibodies to thyroid tissue.

The course of autoimmune thyroiditis a slow, progressive, with the outcome of hypothyroidism - a sharp decline in thyroid function.

Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis

The diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis is put on the basis of the characteristic symptoms of the disease, laboratory (blood examined hormones, immunoglobulins, and the titer of antithyroid antibodies), ultrasound, X-ray and radioisotope studies.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Treatment of the disease is to eliminate the lack of its own thyroid hormone and a decrease in its activity of autoimmune processes. For this administered thyroid hormone drugs (e.g., L-thyroxine) in combination with glucocorticoids, which suppress the production of antibodies to the thyroid gland. When squeezing the thyroid gland of neck Policy Pay surgery - part or all of the thyroid gland is removed.