Almost all of the metabolic processes in your body are influenced by the thyroid glands through the produced hormones. There are a number of thyroid disorders that range from small and harmless to severe and life-threatening. The lesser is goiter or enlarged gland, and the greater is cancers. Thyroid problems that are the most common however, involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. A condition known as hyperthyroidism results due to an excess of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is derived from insufficient hormone production. Most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated, though the symptoms and effects can be uncomfortable or unpleasant. We at ENT Specialists would like to elaborate on some common thyroid problems.
As mentioned, all types of hyperthyroidism are due to the excessive production of thyroid hormones; this condition can occur in several ways that include:
1) Graves’ Disease: Thyroid hormone is overproduced.
2) Toxic Adenomas: In the thyroid gland, nodules develop, which will secrete thyroid hormones that upset the body’s chemical balance. Some cases of goiters can potentially contain several of the nodules.
3) Subacute Thyroiditis: Temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months that stems from inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to leak excess hormones.
4) Pituitary Gland Malfunction or Cancerous Growths: Hyperthyroidism can also develop from cancerous growth in the thyroid gland or pituitary gland malfunctions, though it is rare.
A decrease in hormone production leads to lower energy levels since your body’s energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones. The underproduction of thyroid hormones can stem from the following:
1) Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: The body attacks thyroid tissue in this autoimmune disorder, where the tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.
2) Removal of Thyroid Gland: Thyroid glands can be chemically destroyed or removed surgically.
3) Exposure to Excessive Iodide: Certain contrast dyes given before some X-rays, heart medicine amiodarone, or cold and sinus medicines can expose you to too much iodine. If you have thyroid problems in the past, the risk only increases.
4) Lithium: Lithium has been impacted to cause hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can bring on a myxedema coma, if left untreated for a long period of time; this is a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires hormone treatments immediately. Newborns and infants are especially in danger with hypothyroidism. At an early age the lack of thyroid hormones in the system can lead to the development of dwarfism (stunted growth) and cretinism (mental retardation). Soon after birth, infants have their thyroid levels checked routinely. Treatment immediately begins if they are hypothyroid. Both infants and adults can have hypothyroidism due to these cause:
– Defective thyroid
– Pituitary disorder
– Lack of the gland
Infants with hypothyroid are unusually inactive, quiet, has a poor appetite, and will sleep for excessively long durations.
Thyroid gland cancer is rare and only occurs in approximately 5% of the thyroid nodules. Before they are determined to be cancerous, you may have one or more thyroid nodules for several years. A higher-than-normal risk of developing thyroid cancer are in people who have received radiation treatment to the head and neck earlier in life, possibly as a remedy for acne.
If you are having problems that you suspect are due to your thyroid glands, see the medical providers of ENT Specialists where we can pinpoint the issue and decide on treatment.
