Actor Arjun Kapoor has recently talked about his disease Hashimoto. He has told how this disease can create difficulties for life and career as an actor. Actually, the demand of acting profession is that you have to always remain fit and healthy. Whereas the problem of hypothyroidism occurs due to autoimmune disease Hashimoto. Due to this, weight increases rapidly. In such a situation, one has to work very hard to maintain fitness.
Hashimoto's is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. Due to this, thyroid hormone starts being produced less than the body needs. Due to this many parts of the body are affected. As a result, symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and constipation start appearing. Hashimoto's symptoms can be controlled with the help of medicines.
According to a study published in Research Gate, 7.5% people all over the world are facing the autoimmune disease Hashimoto. About 11% people in India are facing this disease.
so today 'medical certificate' I will talk about the autoimmune disease Hashimoto. You will also learn that-
What is Hashimoto?
This is an autoimmune condition, in which our immune system attacks the healthy cells of the body. This disease mostly affects the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland is responsible for many functions of the body. Due to this, our metabolism, brain, heart and blood pressure get affected and body weight can also increase. Overall, this can lead to such conditions, which can also increase the risk of many other diseases.
Dr. Abhinav Gupta says that if someone in India has the problem of hypothyroidism, then instead of finding out its cause, doctors start treating the thyroid itself. Whereas in many cases Hashimoto's disease can also be the reason.
National Library of Medicine People who live in other land areas have a higher risk of Hashimoto's than people who live near the ocean. If symptoms of this disease are visible along with thyroid problem, then you can talk to the doctor to get tested for Hashimoto's.
Are Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism the same?
No, both are different conditions. In hypothyroidism also, the thyroid gland reduces the production of thyroid hormone, but it is not an autoimmune condition. Whereas Hashimoto is more serious due to being an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto's can also cause hypothyroidism, but sometimes the condition can occur without any cause.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's?
Some people do not show any symptoms in the initial days of Hashimoto's disease. As this condition becomes serious, many symptoms start appearing. Sometimes the thyroid gland starts getting bigger. This condition is called goiter. Goiter is usually the first symptom of Hashimoto's disease.
It usually does not cause pain. Due to this, there may be a feeling of swelling in the lower part of the neck. Due to this, constipation may occur. Lethargy increases and excessive sleep occurs. What are its other symptoms, see in the graphic:
Why does Hashimoto's disease occur?
It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells and organs. In this disease the antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Studies conducted so far have not been able to find out why antibodies attack the thyroid, but some doctors and scientists believe that it may be due to genetic reasons.
If a person is suffering from any autoimmune disease then the risk of Hashimoto's disease increases. See the graphic:
What are the risk factors for Hashimoto's?
Dr. Abhinav Gupta says that family history is a major factor in Hashimoto's disease. Apart from this, the risk of this disease for women is many times higher than that of men. Its risk may increase with increasing age, understand in detail:
Family history is the main reason: According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, genetic factors increase the chance of developing Hashimoto's by about 80%. If any member of a person's biological family has Hashimoto's disease or thyroid problem, then he has a higher risk of this disease.
Women at greater risk: Women are 10 times more likely to have Hashimoto's disease than men. Dr. Abhinav Gupta says that this could be due to sex hormones.
Risk increases with age: The risk of developing Hashimoto's and thyroid also increases with age.
What effect does Hashimoto have on the body?
Hashimoto's affects thyroid and metabolism the most. Due to this, digestive problems also increase. Therefore, the patient needs life long treatment as well as care.
If a person has Hashimoto's disease and does not take timely treatment, he may have to face many other health problems. See the graphic:
What is the treatment for Hashimoto's?
Most people with Hashimoto's disease require treatment. If the disease is in the initial stage and the thyroid is functioning normally, then the doctor can keep the patient under observation without any treatment.
If the thyroid is not producing hormones in sufficient quantity then medicine is required. In such a situation, doctors give a synthetic hormone Levothyroxine. Sometimes some side effects may also appear.
Consult a doctor if you notice these side effects due to levothyroxine:
Graphics Source: NavJivanIndia | VaskarAssets
