Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: An Unknown Autoimmune Disease.

Let’s understand the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is present in the front portion of the neck. In people who suffer from Hashimoto's disease, the immune system in their body starts producing such antibodies which start attacking the thyroid gland and abnormally disturb its normal functioning and secretions. Due to this; the thyroid gland seems to be damaged and not able to produce enough thyroid. Thyroid hormone is crucial because it controls the energy consumption in our body which ultimately affects almost all the organs in the body.

Nature of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis:

• The chronic autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid gland, which is which regulates metabolism and growth. Hypothyroidism due to this disease is very common but some rare cases have also been seen in which the thyroid becomes overactive due to Hashimoto's disease i.e. hyperthyroidism has been reported.

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Immune System Attack:

• The immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid, causing inflammation and damage to the gland.

What are the key stages in the progression of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and how does the immune system's response contribute to the inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland?

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Disease Progression Stages:

• First Stage:

Increased production of Th1 cytokines activates macrophages and cytotoxic T cells attacking the thyroid gland.

• Second Stage:

Increased production of Th2 cytokines activates B cells, leading to antibody production against the thyroid.

• Final Stage:

Thyroid gland destruction occurs, resulting in hypothyroidism and reduced thyroid hormone production.

Symptoms and Impact:

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis manifests with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and joint pain.
• It is more prevalent in women, often developing in middle age.

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Contributing Factors:

• Development is linked to factors like a family history of autoimmune disease, exposure to environmental toxins, and iodine deficiency.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis involves identifying symptoms and specific antibodies in blood tests.
• Treatment typically includes hormone replacement therapy to address missing thyroid hormones and alleviate symptoms.

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Who is more likely to have Hashimoto’s disease?

Many studies have found that Hashimoto’s disease is 4-10 times more common in women than men. So this disease can occur at any age but still, a common age range is 30-50. The highest chances of developing Hashimoto's disease occur if there is a family history of the disease. Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease can also develop if you already suffer from one of these 4 autoimmune disorders:

1. Celiac disease: a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine
2. Lupus: a chronic, or long-term, disorder that can affect many parts of the body
3. Rheumatoid arthritis: a disorder that affects the joints
4. Sjögren’s syndrome: a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth

Supplemental Point: Type 1 diabetes: is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It may also induce chances to develop Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease.  

Note: Hashimoto’s disease is also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis.

Conclusion: 

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland which is crucial for metabolism and growth. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland and causes damage and inflammation to the thyroid; due to which the patient has to suffer from hyperthyroidism. Weight gain, depression, and fatigue are a few symptoms of this disease and it generally affects the age group of 30-50 years. 

Some contributing factors to this disease are environmental toxins, family history, and iodine deficiency. It is diagnosed by detecting antibodies in a blood test and monitoring the symptoms. Hashimoto’s disease can also cause thyroid overactivity which is a rare condition. For effective management of this disease, it is necessary to understand how this disease occurs so regular studies continue in medical science to understand different diseases and introduce effective treatments.

Disclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki. 

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