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Autoimmune thyroiditis treatment
In autoimmune thyroiditis, the human immune system gradually attacks the thyroid gland’s own cells, resulting in a permanent decrease in hormone production: hypothyroidism.
The primary function of the thyroid gland (TG) is to produce iodine-containing hormones such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine as well as the peptide hormone calcitonin. These chemical compounds are directly involved in regulation and metabolism.
Normal thyroid function ensures the growth and development of all cells in the human body, regulates the menstrual cycle, heart function, and contributes to the metabolism of most vitamins.
Autoimmune thyroiditis is the main cause of hypothyroidism, among other endocrine diseases. This disease occurs at any age, but middle-aged women are more often affected.
The disease has several names: autoimmune thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
MedTour patients recommend clinics for the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis:
Doctors for the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no consensus among scientists about the causes of autoimmune thyroiditis. The immune system recognizes thyroid cells as foreign and tries to destroy them with special antibodies.
This is probably due to the presence of special proteins on the surface of the thyroid cells. These proteins are called antigens. Experts suggest that the appearance of antigens are preceded by genetic disorders or diseases caused by viruses and bacteria
Gender
Women are more susceptible to autoimmune thyroiditis than men.
Age
The disease affects all age groups: children, adults and the elderly. However, the risk of getting lymphocytic thyroiditis is higher between the ages of 40 and 60.
Exposure to radiation
Acute or chronic exposure to radiation affects the risk of disease.
Autoimmune diseases
If you have another autoimmune disease, your risk of getting Hashimoto’s disease increases. Such diseases include:
- Pernicious anemia,
- Systemic lupus erythematosus,
- Addison’s disease,
- Diabetes mellitus type 1,
- Rheumatoid arthritis,
- Celiac disease.
Heredity
If one of your relatives has autoimmune thyroiditis, your chances of getting the disease are higher.
The disease may be asymptomatic for a long time and not bother the patient. Most often, the first and main symptom of thyroiditis is an increase in the size of the thyroid gland. This occurs due to a prolonged chronic inflammatory process.
Persistent enlargement of the thyroid gland is called glandular goiter. Goiter leads to the development of symptoms associated with the enlargement of the organ in the neck area. These include:
- The swelling of the anterior region of the neck,
- Hardness in swallowing while eating,
- Change in the timbre of the voice.
As a consequence of autoimmune process lesions of the thyroid gland cells, the body receives insufficient amounts of hormones — thyroxine and triiodothyronine. This leads to the development of such symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue, even after minor exertion,
- Pale skin and puffiness of the face,
- Depression, lack of enjoyment of life,
- A constant sensation of cold in the body,
- Irregular and sparse menstruation,
- Slow heartbeat,
- Eastening and increased nail brittleness,
- Hair loss.
It is important to understand that the symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis are not specific to the disease. But only indicate common causes associated with abnormal thyroid function. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
MedTour’s Medical Coordinator can help you find a clinic and make an appointment!
To enroll in one of the advanced medical centers, you need to leave an application on the MedTour platform. Our medical coordinator will contact you and answer your questions.
You can send the data of the laboratory tests previously performed, as well as the results of instrumental studies — ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc. Your case will be considered individually in the international department of the clinic. Based on your documents will make further plan diagnosis, and you will be given cost.
We assist our patients with arrangement of flight, transfer, translation of medical documents, and follow up at the clinic during all phases of treatment.
Our services are absolutely free of charge. Medical centers pay for our services. Be healthy together with MedTour!
Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis abroad (2021)
How is Hashimoto’s disease diagnosed?
Examination and consultation
Often, autoimmune thyroiditis is mistaken for other diseases: depression, menstrual disorders, fibromyalgia, etc. Therefore, a specialist needs to carefully review your medical history, collect a detailed medical history, and clarify the presence of autoimmune diseases in your family members.
The doctor will examine your skin, mucous membranes, and palpate your thyroid gland. It is usually enlarged in Hashimoto’s disease.
Laboratory tests
Convincing evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis is the data of laboratory tests. Your endocrinologist will prescribe one or more tests:
- T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) hormone levels in the blood.
- The level of thyroid hormone (TSH).
- The presence of antibodies to antithyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase.
Ultrasound diagnosis
In order to assess the size of the thyroid gland and detect foci of thickening (nodules), the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound allows the differential diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis with other thyroid diseases.
How are autoimmune thyroiditis treated abroad?
Active monitoring
If you are not experiencing any deleterious symptoms of the disease and your thyroid hormone levels are not decreased, your doctor may recommend that you monitor your current condition without having to take any medications.
Hormone replacement therapy
The main treatment for Hashimoto’s disease is daily administration of thyroid hormones. Pharmaceutical companies make hormones in pill form. Overseas, medications such as Levoxyl and Synthroid are used.
To accurately calculate the dose, various factors are taken into consideration:
- Patient’s gender and age,
- Prevalence of comorbidities,
- Maintenance of other medications,
- The patient’s weight.
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