All you need to know about the autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, actor Arjun Kapoor revealed that he is suffering from an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s disease. “I’m a big kid at heart,” he said. I was diagnosed with mild depression, which was situational. When you have an autoimmune disorder – I have a disease called Hashimoto’s – it’s an extension of the thyroid problem, but your antibodies fight against you. So, it’s almost like I can fly and gain weight because the body goes under stress.” Here’s what you need to know about the disease.

What is Hashimoto Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto thyroiditis is a condition where the body’s own immunity attacks the thyroid gland, causing cells to malfunction and die. Initially, there may be hyperfunction of the thyroid, but due to ongoing antibody attack and inflammation in the thyroid, thyroid function decreases and hypothyroidism occurs.

“There are different types of antibodies in our body. Some antibodies are made in response to the disease, while others are produced as mimics, sometimes causing harm to the body. Some of these are autoantibodies that attack thyroid tissues, a condition first identified by a Japanese scientist, now known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In this condition, the body produces antibodies against its own thyroid tissue, which leads to its destruction,” says Dr. Says Saroj Kumar Yadav, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.

“Initially there may be pain and swelling of the thyroid gland, called a ‘goitre.’ This is followed by a decline in thyroid function, which can manifest in a variety of ways, including weakness, lethargy, lethargy, weight gain, impaired Decreased bowel function, and mental confusion. These are some of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as these antibodies can be toxic to the brain. Can attack the nervous system, leading to abnormal mobility, impaired consciousness and abnormal behaviour, says Dr Praveen Gupta, Head of Neurology, Fortis Hospital. , because it is an autoimmune condition, it responds to immunomodulating treatments.”

symptoms

1. As metabolism slows, it can lead to weight gain and patients may become lethargic and lethargic. Internal heat production also decreases, which can lead to cold intolerance.
2. The skin becomes dry and hair starts falling. Constipation is common, and patients may experience a decreased heart rate, or bradycardia.
3. Prolonged slowing of heart function can cause shortness of breath and swelling in the body. These are some of the manifestations of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that leads to hypothyroidism, and it can also affect fertility, potentially causing infertility or repeated pregnancy loss.
4. In women, it can cause infertility and may also lead to repeated pregnancy loss, especially in early pregnancy. This highlights the importance of recognizing the situation.
5. This condition also affects mental health. Thinking becomes dull, and the body’s slowed metabolism can lead to decreased productivity, depression, and stress.

“It is important to periodically check thyroid hormone status and adjust the dosage as needed. Taking too little or too much of the hormone can cause symptoms. However, if a patient maintains normal thyroid hormone levels, which can be easily achieved with regular checkups and dosage adjustments, they can lead a normal life,” says Dr. Says Himika Chawla, senior consultant endocrinology, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi.

Treatment

It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, and the primary treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The drug of choice is usually levothyroxine sodium, and this drug is taken for life. “The disease usually has an insidious onset, with subtle signs and symptoms that may progress over months to years. Common symptoms include fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and weight gain. As the disease progresses Symptoms may include hoarseness, slow walking, decreased sweating, loss of memory, hair loss and menstrual irregularities.

The diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis is primarily based on thyroid profile testing and anti-thyroid antibody tests as well as physical findings indicating hypothyroidism in the patient. Additional blood tests and thyroid ultrasound may also be necessary to assess autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland. Management usually includes lifelong thyroid replacement therapy with levothyroxine,” says Dr Kadam Nagpa, head, neuroimmunology and senior neurologist at Salubritas Medcentre.

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