During the last decades, thyroid diseases affect more and more people worldwide, and our country is no exception. According to estimates, the number of patients in the global population is over 13 million, but according to some calculations it may exceed 50 million. 10-15 percent of the Hungarian population suffers from some kind of thyroid problem, be it under- or over-functioning, or diseases of autoimmune origin. In Hungary, hypothyroidism is currently one of the most common hormonal diseases, occurring up to eight times more often in women than in men. Despite this, only about half of those affected are actually diagnosed.
The main function of the thyroid gland is hormone production. It plays a fundamental role in regulating the body’s metabolism, growth, sexual and brain function. There is almost no organ that is not affected by thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential for life, however, in excessive amounts, they can cause a dangerous, even life-threatening condition, or even lead to death.
According to the latest studies, thyroid problems are increasingly considered a common disease. According to estimates, the number of patients is over 13 million, but according to some calculations it may exceed 50 million. In Europe, this figure is 6 percent of the total population, while in Hungary it is 10-15 percent.
Underfunctioning affects 4.4 percent of the population, and overfunctioning 1.4 percent. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common hormonal diseases in Hungary, affecting 10 percent of the entire population. The occurrence of thyroid diseases is eight times more common in women than in men, in Hungary the proportion of women is about 75-80 percent. However, only half of the cases are actually diagnosed, as the symptoms are often mild and difficult to recognize.
“Autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland – commonly known as Hashimoto’s disease – affects 25 percent of the population, while hypothyroidism affects 10-15 percent of the population. Factors influencing the development of the disease are diets rich in fat, quickly absorbed carbohydrates, and rich in lactose and gluten. In addition, smoking also has an inflammatory effect.” he said dr. András Mitache, internist-endocrinologist at Affidea Hungary. “However, a balanced diet, avoiding fast-absorbing carbohydrates, and a diet rich in selenium, zinc, and B vitamins can help avoid thyroid diseases. If someone is diagnosed with a pre-existing inflammatory autoimmune disease, a gluten- and lactose-reduced diet can reduce the inflammation. A relaxing 6-7 hours of sleep, avoiding stress, quitting smoking, and regular exercise can also improve the functioning of the thyroid gland.” – added the specialist.
What are the symptoms of thyroid diseases?
The most common complaints include fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight changes, mood swings, high cholesterol, bowel problems, and menstrual and fertility problems. Additional symptoms of hypothyroidism include sleepiness, weight gain, constipation, depression, and cold intolerance. On the other hand, frequent signs of overactivity are rapid heartbeat, nervousness, diarrhea, weight loss after a significant meal, and increased sweating.
Other thyroid diseases
In addition to hypofunction and hyperfunction, we also distinguish other diseases that affect the thyroid gland. An example is goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, the most common cause of which is iodine deficiency. The aforementioned Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. The development of this is due to the fact that in 90 percent of people with thyroid problems, the body tries to produce antibodies, but in doing so it also destroys its own healthy tissues, and poor bowel function develops. This initiates an inflammatory process that leads to tissue damage to such an extent that hypothyroidism develops. In addition, diseases can be caused by cysts and, in more serious cases, tumors.
Methods of treatment
In the treatment of thyroid diseases, there are several solutions, from which doctors choose based on the severity and nature of the given condition. One of the most common treatment methods is surgical intervention, which is considered a routine procedure, but requires special attention during surgery to protect the parathyroid glands and the important nerves and blood vessels running around the thyroid gland. Surgery may be necessary, for example, in the case of a malignant thyroid tumor, or after a cytological examination with uncertain results, or in the event that the enlargement of the thyroid gland puts pressure on the surrounding organs, such as the esophagus.
Another effective treatment method is radioiodine treatment, during which the thyroid gland absorbs the radioactive iodine injected into the body. As a result, the radiation destroys the tissues of the thyroid gland, which is particularly effective in the case of hyperthyroidism or as a follow-up treatment for certain thyroid tumors.
A proper diet also plays an important role in the treatment of thyroid diseases. A diet rich in micronutrients that support hormone production (such as iodine, selenium, iron and vitamin D) is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. A balanced, varied diet helps to maintain a healthy body weight and supports the balance of hormone balance, thus contributing to the preservation of thyroid health.
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
