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World Thyroid Day 2018: A pain in the neck

World Thyroid Day 2018: A pain in the neck

Thyroid hormone is majorly responsible for regulating the metabolic rate in the body.

Written by Editorial Team |Updated : May 25, 2018 11:53 AM IST

Thyroid disorders are on a rise in India with around 42 million people suffering from different types of thyroid-related diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto s Thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. With few lifestyle changes along with the help of preventive measures, we can control and eliminate Thyroid.

Highlights

  1. In India with around 42 million people suffering from different types of thyroid-related diseases
  2. One third of thyroid patients are unaware of their condition
  3. One in 10 adults in India suffers from hypothyroidism, which is three times more common in women
  4. One in every three diabetic patients could have underlying thyroid disorder
  5. 44.3% of pregnant women are found to have hypothyroid in the first trimester.

'Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of our neck and is a part of the endocrine gland system. Hormones are produced and storied in the thyroid gland and it affects the function of the various organs in the body,' said Dr Nidhi Malhotra, Senior Consultant and Coordinator, Endocrinology, Jaypee Hospital, Noida.

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Symptoms

One third of thyroid patients are unaware of their condition. The reason is that the symptoms of thyroid-related illness vary depending upon severity. Below are some of the early symptoms of various types of thyroid disorders.

  1. Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system, in which the thyroid gland is incapable of producing enough thyroid hormone for the body to function properly.

If you are hypothyroid:

  • Then you will often feel tired and exhausted. Lethargy is the most common symptom of this disorder.
  • you may have weight gain
  • You may experience constipation other gastro- intestinal issues.
  • You will also feel excessively cold all the time. Hands and feet also get swollen.
  • muscle pains and cramps
  • Some women may face excessive, prolonged and irregular period bleeding. In some cases it becomes difficult to conceive as well.
  1. Hyperthyroidism is seen in patient, when the thyroid gland releases abnormally high level of thyroid hormone. It can produce a rapid heart rate and Grave s Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

If you are hyperthyroid:

  • Considerable weight loss is the most evident symptom despite adequate appetite
  • Nervousness
  • Palpitations coupled with hand and entire body tremors. Some elderly people may also suffer from heart attack.
  • Disturbed sleep and even insomnia
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Bulging of eyeballs
  1. Thyroid goitre is the swelling in the neck due to abnormally enlarged thyroid gland. It is one of the most common thyroid disorders are often harmless.

If you have thyroid goitre (lump in the neck):

  • you may observe difficulty in swallowing
  • Even breathing may be little difficult
  • Hoarseness of voice

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