Autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease - a disease that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an important part of the endocrine system; it produces hormones that regulate many processes in the body.

If autoimmune thyroiditis immune system produces antibodies to the cells of the thyroid gland. The ensuing inflammation often results in reduced activity of thyroid Decreased activity of the thyroid gland: alarm   - Hypothyroidism. Autoimmune thyroiditis is predominantly affects middle-aged women, but also occurs in men at any age, and in children.

Symptoms

Autoimmune thyroiditis progresses slowly destroying thyroid tissue and cause a gradual decline in thyroid hormone levels, but the patient can long ignore any symptoms of these changes. In the later stages of development, when the deficit would be essential hormones, may appear the following symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis:

• Lethargy and sluggishness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin Dry skin: care and treatment
• Swelling of the face
• Hoarse voice
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Weight Gain unchanged eating habits - typically this is due to fluid retention
• Muscle pain and mobility of some deterioration of the joints, especially in furnaces and thighs
• Muscle weakness, especially in the lower extremities
• Unusually heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Depression

If untreated, the symptoms gradually become more pronounced; Sometimes the thyroid gland increases in size - there is goiter. In addition, the patient may experience problems with memory; it can often remain unusually depressed.

Be sure to consult your doctor if you have symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis. The sooner you start treatment, the lower the risk of developing serious complications of the disease.

Causes

Autoimmune thyroiditis begins when a person's immune system produces antibodies that damage the cells of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones . Why start this process, scientists still do not know. Some scientists suggest that trigger this disease may serve as viruses or bacteria, while others believe that the reason lies in genetic disorders. The likelihood of developing autoimmune thyroiditis increased under the influence of several factors, including heredity, gender and age.

Complications of autoimmune thyroiditis

• Goiter. Constant stimulation of the thyroid gland may cause it to increase. The most common cause of goiter is hypothyroidism - reduced activity thyroid gland, which is frequently observed in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Normally goiter does not cause particular discomfort, but it represents a significant cosmetic defect, and in some cases, difficult swallowing and breathing.
• Disorders of the heart. Autoimmune thyroiditis is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. This is largely due to high levels of high-density lipoprotein - the so-called bad cholesterol. The level of lipoproteins in the blood due to decreased activity of the thyroid gland. Untreated autoimmune thyroiditis can lead to an increase of the heart and, in rare cases, to heart failure.
• Mental health problems. In patients with autoimmune thyroiditis often develop depression Depression - a little more than a bad mood , And its symptoms are compounded over time. Furthermore, this disturbance can lead to a reduction of libido in both men and women, and slowing of mental processes.
• Myxedema - a rare life-threatening condition that can develop if left untreated autoimmune thyroiditis. Among its symptoms: severe cold intolerance, drowsiness, profound lethargy, loss of consciousness. Myxedema coma when triggers can be a sedative, as well as infections and other conditions that increase the load on the body. If you want to miksedeme seek medical advice immediately and start treatment.
• Congenital defects. The children of women who did not treat autoimmune thyroiditis, an increased risk of birth defects. In particular, there is a high probability of mental retardation, disorders of the heart, kidneys and brain. Women who plan to become pregnant soon, it is strongly recommended to check the thyroid gland.

If you have Type II diabetes, it is often difficult to remember all of your daily tasks. Experts offer to help their patients a checklist so-called "healthy habits" that make up the daily care of diabetes is to be used during the day.

Check your blood sugar

Most people with Type II diabetes need to check blood sugar Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health Which is also called glucose, at least once a day. But the frequency of testing depends on your treatment plan. For example, people who take insulin The principles of action of insulin - the science of saving lives   four times a day, it is necessary to check the blood glucose level more often, including before each meal.

Brushing and flossing twice a day

Many people do not think about it, but it's really important for people with diabetes. If you have dental disease or infections such as gum disease, this problem can cause blood glucose levels to rise. When blood sugar is high, it is also high in saliva and mouth, which may cause the mouth environment where bacteria multiply unhindered. This may cause more inflammation and gum disease if you do not use a brush and floss regularly.

Watch out for your feet

Diabetes can lead to what your legs will be less sensitive to pain. If you do not notice a cut or blister on his foot, they can turn into ulcers that are difficult to treat. Carefully check for the presence of foot blisters, cuts, scratches, bruises, redness, or swelling. If you notice any problems, consult your doctor.

Monitor the availability of medicines

If your doctor considers it necessary, always carry a source of carbohydrate to treat low blood sugar Blood sugar - a very important indicator . Make sure that they are within easy reach, whether glucose tablets, dragees, candy, jam or jelly, juice box or regular (not diet) soda. Daily check and make sure that you have everything you need if you are using an insulin pump.

Do exercises

Ideally, people with diabetes should receive at least 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous aerobic activity a week. It is best to do the exercises, and the like load, which increases the heart rate. Even housework and gardening can help you with this.

Eat fruits and vegetables

Set out to eat at least two servings of non-starchy vegetables every day, especially leaf - spinach, kale, chard, bok choy. They are very low in calories, they have a wonderful vitamins, minerals and antioxidants Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits . Also, every day eat fresh fruit. It is a better choice than dried fruit or juice, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise too high.

Treat food responsibly

Ask yourself why you eat. Are you hungry, nervous, worried, or you're bored? Or do you eat for the sake of pure pleasure? In most cases, if people stop and realize what they are doing and why, that's half the battle. Awareness is very important.