Thyroid Problem Damages the Brain

The patients of thyroid are increasing in India day by day. The disease has no cure, but it could be controlled by medication.

Anterior thyroid in Throat
Wikimedia Commons by  CFCF

The deficiency of Iodine is the chief cause of thyroid and it may lead to brain damage.

The researchers are working throughout the world to find the causes and cures for the problem of the thyroid.

But it is certain that the chief cause for thyroid is genetic. The families having a history of thyroid disease are more prone to get afflicted with the problem. The iodine deficiency is the primary cause of thyroid which may even lead to brain damage.

Regular Monitoring

At present more than 86% of the people of the world have access to iodized salt. The regular monitoring of the levels of the thyroid is necessary to keep the problem under control.

It is necessary to regularly check the presence of thyroid problem during pregnancy and after the age of 30 years.

One out of 10 adults in India is suffering from hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland fails to secrete sufficient amount of thyroid hormone. The symptoms are tiredness, pain in joints and muscles, obesity, dry skin, hoarse voice, irregular menstruation etc. here the thyroid is less active.

Safety, Precautions and symptoms

If left untreated the hypothyroidism leads to the problem of goiter. It causes a stiif neck. Besides it also leads to serious problems like atherosclerosis, stroke, cholesterol boost, infertility, and severe weakness.  

Hyperthyroidism

In hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland becomes more active and the thyroid hormone is produced in excess which causes grave diseases and even tumor. In grave diseases, the antibodies are produced in the body. As a result, the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone and the chain reaction starts. Hyperthyroidism is caused by the excess use of iodine and hormone medicines. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are excess sweating, increase in the size of the thyroid gland, increased heart rate, swelling around the eyes, hair thinning, skin becomes soft, etc. But the cases of hyperthyroidism are very few.

If left untreated, it may cause serious problems like cardiac arrest, arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat, either slow or fast or irregular), osteoporosis, cardiac dilation. Besides, it may cause symptoms like abortion, premature birth, preeclampsia (increased blood pressure during pregnancy), and improper development of the fetus.    

Goiter
Wikimedia Commons by Almazi(talk)

It also leads to Hashimoto thyroiditis in which the thyroid hormones are released from the thyroid gland due to the swelling in the thyroid gland and the patient becomes a victim of hyperthyroidism. The size of the thyroid gland increases in goiter and it often happens due to the deficiency of iodine. The symptoms are swollen throat, stiff neck, cough, and a problem in breathing.

Thyroid Cancer

It generally occurs after the age of 30 years. This type of cancer is found in the tissue of thyroid gland. There are often no symptoms and a knot type cyst appears in the throat. It is due to environmental and hereditary causes. The cure includes surgery, hormone therapy, radioactive iodine, radiation and sometimes chemotherapy.  

As a safety measure the experts advise a drastic change in lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular checkup.