Hashimoto’s Specialist Brisbane Northside
In the recent years, there have been increasing reports of Hashimoto’s disease in Brisbane. It is a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, a body part which is responsible for hormone production.
There are situations when the thyroid gets inflamed as a result of the Hashimoto’s disease. This can eventually result in hypothyroidism, a condition when the thyroid gland becomes underactive. This condition is most common among middle-aged women but can occur in men, women, and children regardless of age.
What are the Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease?
The most obvious symptom of Hashimoto’s disease is swelling of the goiter. The progression of the disease is slow and damages the thyroid. As a result, the thyroid hormone levels in the blood gets low and hypothyroidism takes place.
Other signs and symptoms present in a person with Hashimoto’s disease include:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold temperature
- Bowel movement issues
- Skin issues such as brittle nails, dry skin, and hair loss
- Enlarged tongue
- Weight gain
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Prolonged menstruation
- Mental health issues
- Memory lapses
What are the Causes of Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body creates antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Based on researches conducted, there is a certain strand of virus or bacteria that triggers the condition. Genetics also play a role in having the disease.
Having another type of autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, or lupus can contribute to having Hashimoto’s disease. Additionally, overexposure to radiation also makes individuals more susceptible to Hashimoto’s disease.
Other factors that can potentially contribute to Hashimoto’s disease are sex, age, and heredity.
When to See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, it is best to see your doctor for an evaluation of the illness.
There are also other pre-existing conditions that need to be consulted with the doctor regularly for periodic testing of the thyroid such as:
- Having undergone a thyroid surgery
- Have had treatment with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications
- Have had radiation therapy, specifically on the upper part of the body
- Having high cholesterol (which sometimes cause by hypothyroidism)
What are the Available Treatments for Hashimoto’s Disease?
The most common treatment for Hashimoto’s disease is hormone replacement therapy. The patient is given a synthetic thyroid hormone, which should be taken daily for the rest of the patient’s life. A patient who is given a medication should refrain from skipping or missing the drug. In doing so, the sign and symptoms of the illness will just return and disregard the previous treatments done.
Patients with special conditions or other ailments may have lower dosages to manage their pre-existing condition. Medications are increased gradually to ensure that the body of the patient copes well with the dosage.
The food intake and supplements of individuals with Hashimoto’s disease would need to be monitored by the doctor. Usually, the following components should be avoided by patients: iron supplements with multivitamins, cholestyramine, antacids, sucralfate, calcium supplements, soy products, and high-fibre foods.
At Ubuntu Medical, we also do Thyroid Problems . We also offer other services. For a full list, click HERE.