Thyroiditis thyroid symptoms. Autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We are facing an increase in autoimmune diseases

Chronic thyroiditis is a disease (in most cases very severe) characterized by its inflammation. During this process, the body's own antibodies damage or completely destroy the gland cells. As a rule, women who have crossed the 40-year mark are most susceptible to this disease. Behind last years It has been observed that the number of people suffering from this disease young and children increased.

Chronic thyroiditis: causes

There are several factors that provoke this disease:

viral infections;
exposure to radiation waves;
focal infections of a chronic nature, which include: sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis, adnexitis and many others;
hereditary predisposition (the patient has relatives with diabetes mellitus, chronic thyroiditis, etc.);
intake of iodine into the body in large volumes (500 mcg per day or more).

Chronic thyroiditis: symptoms

Very often this disease occurs without any noticeable changes in the patient’s body, but in most cases it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

There is a feeling of tightness and pressure in the neck.
Feeling of a lump in the throat.
Constant unmotivated fatigue and weakness.
Strong sensitivity thyroid gland and the appearance of pain during palpation.
In some cases, eye diseases may occur.
Chronic thyroiditis is manifested by increased blood pressure.
Cold intolerance.
The thyroid gland becomes very elastic and dense to the touch.
Constipation.
Swelling lower limbs and faces.
Gaining excess weight.
Muscle cramps.
The appearance of “bags” under the eyes.
When accompanied by hyperthyroidism, tachycardia and tremor of the fingers may be observed.

Chronic thyroiditis: treatment

IN currently medications that would relieve the patient from of this disease, not invented. Therefore, the main methods of treating thyroiditis are aimed at eliminating and relieving the inflammatory process. non-steroidal drugs and work stimulation Drug therapy prescribed immediately after detection of the disease, even if the organ is currently functioning well. One of the most known drugs, preventing the development of hypothyroidism is the drug "L-thyroxine". Its dosage is prescribed depending on the patient’s age and TSH level in the blood.

Chronic thyroiditis: treatment folk remedies

It will also help to get rid of this disease Alternative medicine. The most known means is which is prepared as follows:

take 30 green pieces walnuts and are crushed;
then they are mixed with a glass of honey and a liter of vodka;
the mixture is infused for 2 weeks (it is necessary to stir periodically);
after time, the tincture is filtered;
Take a tablespoon in the morning 30 minutes before meals.

Thyroiditis is commonly called inflammatory process in the thyroid gland. The clinical manifestation of thyroiditis varies, so there are several forms of inflammation of the thyroid gland, one of which is long-term and is called chronic thyroiditis. The disease belongs to the group of autoimmune pathologies of the gland. The main group of patients with chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland are elderly women. However, the disease is not limited only to the choice of this category of humanity; representatives of the male sex, young women, and children are less often registered with autoimmune disorders.

If no cases of autoimmune diseases were found in a person’s family tree, then worry about the occurrence chronic thyroiditis not worth it. The likelihood of developing an autoimmune thyroid disorder increases if you have a family history. A pathological condition of an autoimmune nature is fraught with its manifestation, which may be absent for a number of years.

Clinical picture

The chronic form of thyroiditis develops without obvious signs, since the pathological state of individual cells is compensated by the double work of healthy thyrocytes. The increase in destructive metamorphoses leads to excessive concentrations of thyroid hormones in the blood or the appearance of symptoms of a hypothyroid state. Various forms of autoimmune disease manifest themselves in approximately 85% of cases by a high concentration of autoimmune bodies to the thyroid follicles. A more detailed clinical picture can be described when differentiating autoimmune pathology.

Stages of pathology

The disease develops according to the following scheme:

In the euthyroid phase, signs of conflict between antibodies and follicular cells are not detected. A blood test does not reveal changes in the levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. With such a pathological condition, a person can live from several months to the end of his life.
The subclinical phase is characterized by an increase in destructive changes in the thyroid gland. Measuring the level of thyroid hormones from the blood taken shows a noticeable decrease.
The thyrotoxicosis phase is noted as the peak stage of the disease. Damage to glandular thyrocytes leads to the release of thyroxine and triiodothyronine into the intercellular environment, from where they enter the blood. Excess thyroid hormones cause a thyrotoxic state. Beginning destruction glandular cells organ leads to the movement of individual fragments of destroyed cells into the blood. In response to visible changes, there is an increase in the produced antibodies to thyrocytes. At further progress pathological condition The thyroid gland shows a state of hypothyroidism.
The patient usually remains in the hypothyroidism stage for 1-2 years. After the specified period, the functionality of the thyroid gland is restored. The last stage is not always characteristic of the chronic form of thyroiditis. The stage of thyrotoxicosis may be the last in the development of the pathology.

Types of disease

Chronic thyroiditis can develop in several directions depending on the manifestation clinical picture and morphological metamorphoses of the thyroid gland:

Hidden or latent form, with which external manifestations no pathology is noted. The course of the disease can only be guessed by immunity disorders. The thyroid gland is within normal limits or slightly enlarged. The functionality of the thyroid gland is not impaired, there are no structural changes in the glandular tissue. IN in some cases There is a slight change in the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood, both in the direction of hypothyroidism and in the thyrotoxic direction.
Hypertrophic form, accompanied by multiple formation of nodes or diffuse enlargement of the organ. In this condition, the level of hormones in the blood decreases markedly.
Thyroid function is markedly reduced in the atrophic type of autoimmune disease. Similar condition endocrine organ typical for loading dose ionizing radiation or in old age. With the total death of thyroid follicles, the functionality of the thyroid gland is consistently low.

Nodular type of pathology

Nodules often accompany chronic thyroiditis. During autoimmune inflammatory reactions, damage to follicular thyrocytes occurs varying degrees gravity. Ultrasound reveals structural changes in gland tissue and its hyperplasia. Treatment of the disease is prescribed in accordance with the patient’s medical history and the disorders identified during the ultrasound examination.

Currently, medicine prefers conservative complex treatment of nodular formations in the chronic form of thyroiditis to surgical intervention. Part complex treatment The following methods are included:

preparations with iodine and replacement hormone therapy with the help of Levothyroxine and its analogues;
treatment with herbs and other traditional medicine;
titration of antibodies shows a lower level if the patient improves his psycho-emotional state. The thyroid gland also begins to restore its structure due to the normalization of mental mood;
normalization of the psycho-emotional state occurs faster and easier if the patient uses art therapy, music therapy and other means of relaxation.

Lymphocytic form

The lymphocytic form of chronic thyroiditis affects a certain type of blood lymphocyte and, for this reason, this type of autoimmune pathology is considered organ-specific. T-suppressors, known as CD8 lymphocytes, as a result of destruction, trigger a chain reaction mechanism, during which T-helpers form pathological complexes with thyrocyte antigens. If a person being examined has a complex of CD4 lymphocytes (T-helper cells) with a local antigen in the thyroid gland, then the autoimmune pathology is hereditary. When lymphocytic thyroiditis is detected, a complex of other disorders of the thyroid gland is detected.

Only one out of twenty patients with lymphocytic chronic thyroiditis is a man, the rest of the patients are women. The disease mainly occurs in women of childbearing age with hyperplasia of the thyroid gland without other noticeable signs. The main complaints of patients with gland hyperplasia are associated with bursting sensations in the neck and the occurrence of pressing pain. Less commonly, patients complain of changes in voice timbre or swallowing disorders.

Changes in the size of the thyroid gland are not always accompanied by noticeable symptoms. The determining factor in the formation of signs of hyperplasia is the state of hormones when the functioning of the gland is disrupted: decrease, increase or normal, euthyroid state.

Signs that appear

Chronic thyroiditis develops in two directions: lymphocytic and fibrous. Within these areas, several options for the development of pathological events are known:

autoimmune form;
Hashimoto's disease;
non-purulent form;
lymphomatous form; Riedel's goiter.

Although the autoimmune type of chronic thyroiditis is defined as hereditary disease, its development begins under the influence of provoking factors. These include viral infection upper respiratory tract, dental caries, inflammatory processes in the tonsils, etc. It turns out that hereditary predisposition alone cannot serve as the sole reason for the progression of pathology.

It has been noticed that with a high level of radiation exposure and uncontrolled use of iodine-containing drugs for a long time, a failure of immune reactions occurs, which results in immune aggression towards thyrocytes.

The onset of the disease is asymptomatic, perhaps some symptoms of mild intensity: pain in the thyroid gland upon palpation, “lump in the throat,” malaise and joint pain aching character. An enlarged thyroid gland can have a compressive effect on the throat.

At further development The disease produces symptoms characteristic of a hyperthyroid state: increased heart rate, excessive sweating, increased systolic pressure.

The development of the disease can occur in two directions: the atrophic nature of the gland and its hypertrophy.

With thyroid atrophy, hyperplasia is not observed; in the blood, when analyzed, a decrease in the concentration of thyroid hormones is detected. This form of pathology is typical for the elderly or people who have previously experienced a high dose of radioactive radiation.

With hypertrophic chronic thyroiditis of an autoimmune nature, diffuse hyperplasia or enlargement of the gland is detected due to the formation of nodular forms. In medical practice a nodular form is often detected against the background of a general increase in the size of the thyroid gland. The level of thyroid hormones in the blood is within the normal range or has a slight decrease, although forms with a significant excess of the normal concentration of thyroid hormones are not uncommon.

Diagnosis of thyroid inflammation

Examination of a patient with suspected chronic thyroiditis begins with an examination by an endocrinologist, palpation of the gland and anamnesis. The next stage of disease differentiation is blood donation for hormonal analysis and detecting the concentration of thyroid antibodies.

If there are no antibodies in the blood, a fine-needle test is performed. aspiration biopsy followed by cytological analysis.

Ultrasound gives a picture of changes in the structure and size of the gland. Malignant nodes No thyroid dysfunction was detected in this form. An important role in establishing a diagnosis is played by the hereditary pattern of gland conditions among close relatives and in the human family tree.

Features of treatment for chronic thyroiditis

There is no clear treatment plan for the disease. In the case of thyrotoxicosis, it is dangerous to prescribe drugs from the thyreostatic group due to an insufficient increase in the functionality of the thyroid gland. To reduce the thyrotoxic effect, medications are prescribed to relieve symptoms of the disease. Long and permanent state Hypothyroidism is treated with replacement therapy with synthetic hormones such as Levothyroxine. Drug analogues begin to be used with a small dosage, gradually increasing it and achieving a normal concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood. Once every 60-70 days, the blood should be tested for thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.

If chronic thyroiditis is accompanied by a subacute form of inflammation of the thyroid gland, during the cold period a drug from the group of glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone) is prescribed.

For hyperthyroidism and thyroid hyperplasia, the doctor may prescribe Thiamazole or its analogues.

When using Indomethacin or Voltaren, which are non-steroidal drugs to relieve inflammation, the symptoms of the disease subside.

Consequences and prognosis of the disease

If you have not had Hashimoto's thyroiditis long time treatment, severe hypothyroidism develops in the form of myxedema. Patients must exclude a number of other concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, ophthalmopathy, Graves' disease, adrenal insufficiency, etc.).

Disease prevention

Pregnant women should strictly follow the gynecologist's instructions if a thyroid dysfunction is detected. This form is dangerous in the first trimester, when there is a possibility of toxicosis or the threat of miscarriage.

To prevent thyroiditis, a diet is proposed that excludes animal fats and includes more fish, vegetables, lactic acid products, herbs, vitamins and cereals in the diet.

The drinking regime should be plentiful, but with the exception of gases. Dietary features will be dictated concomitant diseases with chronic thyroiditis.

Thyroiditis, otherwise called lymphatic/autoimmune thyroiditis, is general definition inflammatory processes in thyroid tissues of various origins. In the case of uniform spread of inflammation, the disease is called “strumitis”.

Thyroiditis affects almost a third of all sufferers endocrine diseases. If previously the diagnosis was given to elderly people, now the disease has become significantly “younger”, occurring even in children.

The symptomatic picture of thyroiditis mainly appears after an acute respiratory infection.

It is important to know! The most common types of thyroiditis are autoimmune (Hashimoto's goiter) and subacute (de Quervain's goiter).

Classification of thyroiditis

The pathology of the thyroid gland differs in several types, which have a common onset of development, but each of which manifests itself with its own course and cause:

Chronic type characterized by diseases that have a sluggish inflammatory response. This may apply to postpartum, autoimmune (Hashimoto's goiter), painless, fibrous (Riedel), specific (fungal, syphilitic, tuberculous types), cytokine-induced thyroiditis:

with lymphomatous thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's goiter, the pathology manifests itself as a reaction to a significant number of T-lymphocytes and antibodies that destroy the cellular structures of the gland. The result is decreased hormone production, called hypothyroidism. There is a hereditary predisposition to this disease;
with postpartum thyroiditis - one of the most recorded forms - the inflammation process occurs due to the unbalanced psycho-emotional state of the woman and physical overload during the period of bearing a child. The postpartum type of the disease has a short-term course, disappearing on average after 2-3 months. At hereditary predisposition this form of the disease changes, acquiring the form of autoimmune destructive thyroiditis;
in the silent/painless variant, the signs of inflammation are the same as in postpartum, but the reasons for the appearance have not yet been described in medicine;
in fibrous-invasive (Riedel's goiter) - a rare disease - there is a “stony” hardness of the glandular tissues. The pathology is often detected in females who have reached the age of 50 years and older. The cause of its occurrence is unknown to medicine. The result of the pathology is hypothyroidism;
with specific thyroiditis, the function of the thyroid gland is impaired due to tuberculosis, syphilis, and fungal infections. Signs of the disease do not make themselves felt for a long time, but then appear according to the characteristics of the course of pathologies;
with cytokine-induced thyroiditis, the inflammatory process develops against the background of hepatitis C, diseases circulatory system and, in turn, according to symptoms it is divided into several types, including:

latent (the patient does not notice painful manifestations, the “thyroid gland” is not enlarged, there are no seals);
hypertrophic (the gland is enlarged as in a goiter, functionality is impaired, nodes may form);
atrophic (the size of the thyroid gland is either normal or slightly smaller than normal, hormones are produced in small quantities).

Hashimoto's goiter in chronic thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis holds a leading position among thyroid pathologies. Mostly women suffer from it. The entire gland tissue is affected for a currently unknown reason. Cells immune system for some reason they begin to destroy elements of the “thyroid” structure. Perhaps this disease occurs due to a genetic predisposition. The connection between autoimmune processes and chronic infections in the respiratory tract has also been determined, genitourinary organs, teeth with carious pathology, etc. Hypothyroidism occurs as a complication of the disease.

Subacute thyroiditis(de Quervain's granulosa goiter) is preceded by 2-6 weeks of disease viral in nature, for example, mumps, measles, flu and other pathologies adenovirus infection. Women suffer from this variant of thyroiditis more often than men (four times), mainly at the age of 35-45 years. Viruses destroy glandular tissue, and a large amount of the follicular contents of the organ (colloid), consisting of hormones, “breaks through” into the blood. Getting into the bloodstream, these hormones cause intense symptoms (including pain) of thyrotosicosis, affecting first one lobe of the thyroid gland, and then the other.

It is important to know! Pain in the subacute version of the disease is not as intense as in acute form. The skin over the gland does not change its structure and color. The indicator can help diagnose a subacute type of pathology increased speed erythrocyte sedimentation rate, determined during a blood test. The indicator above the norm remains so for a long time.

Acute type of disease correspond to purulent and non-purulent processes. The first type is caused by coccus bacteria. Currently, such a pathology is a rare phenomenon in medicine, since antibiotics are widely used. But acute purulent diseases, chronic infections of the throat, ear, nose. The patient has significant concerns painful sensations pulsating in the “thyroid” area, sometimes radiating to the jaw or ear. At the same time, the neck swells, turns red, and responds with pain during palpation examination. It is possible to open an abscess on your own, which significantly aggravates the course of the disease. This variant of the disease requires surgical treatment.

A non-purulent process occurs as a result of injury, hemorrhage, or treatment. Bacteria have no effect here. Modern endocrinology does not record cases of non-purulent thyroiditis associated with the use of radioactive iodine in treatment, due to significant improvements in the method.

It is important to know! Acute purulent thyroiditis does not affect the activity of the gland, hormonal background is not violated. Accordingly, there is no need to test for thyroid hormones in order to clarify the diagnosis. Used in treatment antibacterial agents, aimed at destroying the pathogen determined by laboratory methods.

Causes of thyroiditis

In addition to hereditary predisposition, other factors that provoke the disease have been identified:

suffered acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections;
unfavorable environmental conditions, fluoride, chloride, iodide compounds in excess quantities in water and food consumed by humans;
chronic infectious diseases in the nose and oral cavity;
stressful conditions;
prolonged exposure to sunlight and radioactive rays;
self-medication with hormonal, iodine-containing drugs.

Symptomatic picture

The disease has common symptoms associated with:

elevated temperature;
signs of chills, weakness;
profuse sweating;
headache;
irritability (especially with de Quervain's goiter);
unhealthy shine in the eyes;
trembling fingers;
heating and moisturizing the skin.

The acute variant of the disease differs in addition to common symptoms the following signs:

sensations of pain in the neck, radiating to the occipital and jaw areas, as well as when turning the head and trying to swallow;
enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
When pressed, the inflamed part of the gland becomes enlarged and painful.

Subacute thyroiditis is characterized by an acute onset, additionally manifested by symptoms expressed in:

severe pain felt in the anterior-posterior parts of the neck, spreading to the occipital region, both ears, mandibular region, when trying to turn the head to the right or left (symptoms of pain with Riedel's goiter can last up to 20 days);
hyperemia, pain, “hotness” of the skin in the area of the inflamed “thyroid gland”;
the normal state of the lymph nodes in the neck, which do not enlarge with this disease (the pathology may be called lymphocytic thyroiditis).

The immune variant of thyroiditis is characterized by the following symptoms:

an increase in only the zone of the “thyroid gland” where the inflammatory process begins;
nodulation (during palpation, the density and mobility of the gland are recorded);
compression in front of the neck (with significant progression and enlargement of the “thyroid gland”);
the appearance of hyperthyroid symptoms, then hypothyroid symptoms;
weight loss, weakness, increased irritability, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, feeling of heat (due to excess hormones in the blood);
problems with swallowing.

Rigel's (fibrous) thyroiditis of the chronic type is characterized by slow development; the disease does not “show” its symptoms for a long time.

One of the first signs is the appearance of a “lump” in the throat, then the following are observed:

impaired swallowing and breathing functions, speech impairment is observed;
enlarged, inflamed and lumpy “thyroid”, which reacts with pain to touch (the surface of the seal becomes “wooden” over time);
damage to all parts of the gland, visual impairment;
compartment syndrome.

Diagnostic measures

When diagnosing thyroiditis, the following research activities are carried out:

blood (general, hormones, immunological tests);
ultrasound (tumors and nodes forming in the gland are detected);
scintigraphy (the area of the lesion, contour outlines, transformed shape of the “thyroid gland”, etc. are assessed).

Treatment of thyroiditis

There are no uniform standards for the treatment of this pathology. Treatment requires individual approach to every patient.

The course of the disease in mild form is under the control of an endocrinologist who prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate painful sensations and means for symptom therapy. Application steroid hormones required for severe diffuse inflammation.

Acute purulent thyroiditis is treated in a hospital, in the surgery department. Antibacterial, antihistamines, vitamins C, B, detoxification agents by intravenous administration. In case of an abscess in the gland, surgery with drainage is required.

Chronic subacute thyroiditis requires taking medications containing thyroid hormones, and surgical method indicated if progression of compression syndrome with compression signs is observed.

The results of treatment of subacute thyroiditis are often positive, but nodular seals appear in the gland that do not require medical intervention.

The immune type of the disease must be treated immediately. In order to normalize the activity of the immune system, a special diet is prescribed. If the gland is significantly enlarged, a thyroidectomy is performed - an operation to remove the “thyroid gland”.

Thyroidectomy

The operation is performed in cases of detection of malignant, nodular formations, diffuse goiter. In situations where there is a clear deterioration in the condition of the thyroid gland with an excessive amount of hormones produced, and conservative treatment and the diet did not show any effectiveness when compressing the trachea and esophagus.

Surgery is also prescribed in cases where the patient has completed a course of therapy and received radiation, as a result of which nodules have arisen on the thyroid gland.

Treatment with alternative medicine

Traditional medicine has a number of recipes that help to effectively treat the symptoms of thyroiditis and can be used at home. You should consult your doctor before choosing any method of use regarding the use of:

Compresses. Since thyroid pathologies are often complications colds, as a result of which nodular formations occur, and if surgery is contraindicated, then compresses with wormwood should be done daily. Two large spoons of dry grass are mixed with pork fat melted over the fire. The mixture is stirred until smooth and left for half an hour. Before going to bed, it is applied to the areas of inflammation. Contrast compresses are also welcome. Alternating cold and warm compresses always ends with the use of warm. Cover your neck with a diaper, towel or scarf.
Decoctions. For example, willow leaves (fresh) are poured into four liters of water and boiled over low heat until a creamy liquid forms Brown. The decoction is cooled, then applied every night, applied to the neck area, wrapped in film and left until the morning.
An iodine mesh applied to the foot for 30 days, and an iodide strip in the form of a bracelet at night.
Pork lard. It is cut into slices and applied to the neck, then wrapped in film. The procedure is completed for 30 days.
Sea kale, apples. It is necessary to enrich the diet with vitamins, iodine, minerals, etc.
Vegetable cocktail. It can reduce pain. To prepare the cocktail you will need potato, beetroot, carrot juices(equal parts). Drink half a liter per day.

Important to remember! The use of folk remedies acts as an auxiliary element in the treatment of a serious disease. You should not rely on them as basic ones and do not apply for medical care. Consequences and complications can threaten people's health and lives.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that is the main cause of hypothyroidism.

With this disease, the thyroid gland becomes significantly inflamed and the production of its hormones is low. This gradually leads to the development of hypothyroidism. This is an immune disease, since it is the body's immune system that produces antibodies that attack the thyroid tissue. It is impossible to cure autoimmune thyroiditis using traditional medicine methods, but treatment autoimmune thyroiditis folk remedies gives good results. Some people are completely cured of the disease, while others experience relief from symptoms, improved well-being, and increased years of life.

Causes of the disease

Autoimmune thyroiditis may be caused by the following factors:

The presence of chronic infections in the human body (sinusitis, caries).

An early viral (infectious) disease.

Any psychological trauma (stress, disappointment, loss).

Unfavorable environment.

Poor nutrition and living conditions.

Uncontrolled use of various medicines(self-medication).

Radiation or long stay in the open sun.

Diabetes mellitus.

Hereditary predisposition.

The disease is most often diagnosed in people in middle age (30-50 years). In women it is found several times more often due to a certain tendency. Depending on the stage of the disease, the symptoms vary. We will study the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with folk remedies below.

Let's look at the symptoms in more detail.

Early stage

Signs of autoimmune thyroiditis on early stage characterized by:

pale skin;
brittle nails;
thinning hair;
muscle pain;
increase in body weight;
fatigue;
joint pain;
constipation;
cold intolerance;
depression.

This is how autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland manifests itself at an early stage. Treatment with folk remedies will be most effective.

Late stage

Signs of autoimmune thyroiditis on late stage characterized by:

decrease taste sensations and sense of smell;
dry skin;
irregular periods;
slow speech;
swelling of the face, arms and legs;
sore throat;
eyebrow loss.

This is what happens at a late stage of autoimmune thyroiditis. Symptoms and treatment with folk remedies are often interrelated.

General symptoms regardless of stage

These signs distinguish autoimmune thyroiditis, regardless of the stage:

loss of appetite;
stiffness in the joints;
muscle atrophy;
muscle pain and cramps;
dry hair;
swelling in other parts of the body;
drowsiness;
hair loss;
decreased coordination of body movements.

We looked at the main signs of a disease called "autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland." Treatment with folk remedies is very popular in Lately.

Diagnosis of the disease

Autoimmune thyroiditis is defined by:

A general blood test to determine the level of lymphocytes.

Immunogram for the presence of antibodies to thyroglobulin.

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

A thyroid biopsy (fine needle) to identify a large number of lymphocytes, which may indicate the presence of the disease.

This way you can identify autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.

Treatment with folk remedies must be long-term.

IN traditional medicine hypothyroidism is treated with hormone replacement therapy - taking synthetic hormones thyroid gland for the rest of your life. This is due to the fact that the thyroid gland cannot fully produce hormones (T3 and T4), and the body really needs them.

The disease is most often characterized by:

An increase in antibodies against the thyroid gland.
Detection of an enlarged gland on ultrasound.
Primary hypothyroidism.

If one of the criteria is missing, the diagnosis is probable, but not certain.

Diagnosis of this disease is not always reliable, and the results of several tests may differ. It happens that in the absence of a real disease, people are prescribed hormonal drugs. They drink them, thereby completely disrupting the functioning of the thyroid gland. That is, at first there was no disease, but now there is. And people are forced to take hormones throughout their lives. Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with folk remedies has a more gentle effect on the body.

If a person has already started taking hormonal drugs, it will be much more difficult to cure him. Unlike those who did not take these medications or those who were treated with traditional medicine. The usual drug treatment regimen assumes the impossibility of refusing them, this happens during therapy diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, mental disorders and cancer.

Signs of autoimmune thyroiditis can be controlled naturally in several ways. In the absence of a specific treatment method that can completely rid a person of the disease, there are folk remedies. They are very good at helping people who for a long time suffer from this disease.

Let's consider what the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis with nodulation involves treatment with folk remedies.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of nature's most powerful healers. It is necessary to enrich the diet of a person suffering from autoimmune thyroiditis or hypothyroidism with it every day. This will help relieve many symptoms and improve your well-being.

Coconut oil is saturated fat, it contains mainly medium-chain fatty acids or medium-chain triglycerides. They perfectly speed up metabolism, increase basal temperature body, reduce weight and increase energy.

Triglycerides are half composed of This is one of the most important fatty acids that creates and maintains immune protection body. Differs extremely positive impact on the thyroid gland.

Coconut oil is rich in other fatty acids, which are no less beneficial. They are able to maintain human health at the highest level.

Linoleic acid is often used in the production of weight loss medications. It's polyunsaturated fatty acid, sold as a dietary supplement in capsules. It is called It refers to fats necessary for the body that help reduce excess weight.

Don't forget about oleic acid. This is an omega-9 unsaturated fatty acid found in coconut and olive oil. It is also highly recommended for autoimmune thyroiditis. Oleic acid increases high-density lipoproteins, reduces lipoproteins with low density. These are good and bad cholesterol.

For this autoimmune disease, it is recommended to consume at least four tablespoons coconut oil per day. If this amount seems too large, you can start with two spoons. Then the dose must be gradually increased.

The diet of a person suffering from hypothyroidism or thyroiditis must be carefully thought out. Many foods worsen the condition, but if you eat only healthy food, then your health will noticeably improve. This is the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with folk remedies.

Let's take a closer look at what is healthy to eat.

Use of essential oils

For autoimmune thyroiditis, the following types of essential oils are recommended for use:

Peppermint;

Spearmint;

Carnation.

They can be applied to the surface of the skin and also applied special drug for evaporation (diffuser). With its help, you can regularly inhale the aromas of oils.

Application of Bach colors

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism are controlled through treatment with flower essences. The three most commonly used are the following:

Wild rose essence. You only need a couple of drops of essence to mix with a small amount water. This composition must be drunk once a day. At regular use The fatigue and depression associated with autoimmune thyroiditis will disappear.
Elm essence. You also just need to mix a couple of drops with water. Then drink this composition. The essence is used once a day, no more often. This perfectly restores well-being in this disease.
Essence of wild apple. Good for cleansing the body. The recipe is the same - two drops of wild apple essence and water. Drink during the day.

Milk thistle

You can make tea from milk thistle. The plant is also called milk thistle. Used to relieve intoxication of the body. Toxins are eliminated thanks to daily consumption one cup of this tea. Especially if a person has chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Treatment with folk remedies will be very helpful.

Apples and pears for thyroiditis

Using pears you can control the level of hormones in the body. This was noticed back in ancient China. Pears have a good effect especially on the female half of humanity. Apples also balance hormonal levels. They are best consumed together in the form of pear and apple puree or freshly squeezed juice.

We looked at autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid.

Treatment with folk remedies is not limited to this. There are a large number of recipes that can help with this disease.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT)- chronic inflammation of the thyroid tissue, which has an autoimmune genesis and is associated with damage and destruction of the follicles and follicular cells of the gland. In typical cases, autoimmune thyroiditis is asymptomatic, only occasionally accompanied by an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis is carried out taking into account the results of clinical tests, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, and histological examination of material obtained as a result of a fine-needle biopsy. Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis is carried out by endocrinologists. It consists of correcting the hormone-producing function of the thyroid gland and suppressing autoimmune processes.

ICD-10

E06.3

General information

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT)- chronic inflammation of the thyroid tissue, which has an autoimmune genesis and is associated with damage and destruction of the follicles and follicular cells of the gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis accounts for 20-30% of all thyroid diseases. Among women, AIT occurs 15–20 times more often than among men, which is associated with a violation of the X chromosome and the effect of estrogen on the lymphoid system. Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis are usually between 40 and 50 years of age, although the disease has recently become more common in young adults and children.

Classification of autoimmune thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis includes a group of diseases that have the same nature.

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis(lymphomatous, lymphocytic thyroiditis, obsolete - Hashimoto's goiter) develops as a result of progressive infiltration of T-lymphocytes into the parenchyma of the gland, an increase in the number of antibodies to cells and leads to gradual destruction of the thyroid gland. As a result of disturbances in the structure and function of the thyroid gland, the development of primary hypothyroidism (decreased levels of thyroid hormones) is possible. Chronic AIT has a genetic nature, can manifest itself in familial forms, and be combined with other autoimmune disorders.
Postpartum thyroiditis occurs most often and is most studied. It is caused by excessive reactivation of the body's immune system after its natural suppression during pregnancy. If there is an existing predisposition, this can lead to the development of destructive autoimmune thyroiditis.
Silent thyroiditis is an analogue of postpartum, but its occurrence is not associated with pregnancy, its causes are unknown.
Cytokine-induced thyroiditis may occur during treatment with interferon drugs in patients with hepatitis C and blood diseases.

Variants of autoimmune thyroiditis, such as postpartum, painless and cytokine-induced, are similar in the phases of the processes occurring in the thyroid gland. At the initial stage, destructive thyrotoxicosis develops, which subsequently turns into transient hypothyroidism, in most cases ending with restoration of thyroid function.

In all autoimmune thyroiditis, the following phases can be distinguished:

Euthyroid phase diseases (without thyroid dysfunction). May last for years, decades or a lifetime.
Subclinical phase. As the disease progresses, massive aggression of T lymphocytes leads to the destruction of thyroid cells and a decrease in the amount of thyroid hormones. By increasing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which overstimulates the thyroid gland, the body manages to maintain normal T4 production.
Thyrotoxic phase. As a result of increasing aggression of T-lymphocytes and damage to thyroid cells, existing thyroid hormones are released into the blood and the development of thyrotoxicosis. In addition, destroyed parts enter the bloodstream internal structures follicular cells, which provoke further production of antibodies to thyroid cells. When, with further destruction of the thyroid gland, the number of hormone-producing cells falls below critical level, the T4 content in the blood decreases sharply, and a phase of obvious hypothyroidism begins.
Hypothyroid phase. It lasts about a year, after which thyroid function is usually restored. Sometimes hypothyroidism remains persistent.

Autoimmune thyroiditis can be monophasic (have only a thyrotoxic or only a hypothyroid phase).

By clinical manifestations and changes in the size of the thyroid gland, autoimmune thyroiditis is divided into forms:

Latent(there are only immunological signs, no clinical symptoms). The gland is of normal size or slightly enlarged (1-2 degrees), without compaction, the functions of the gland are not impaired, sometimes they can be observed moderate symptoms thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism.
Hypertrophic(accompanied by an increase in the size of the thyroid gland (goiter), frequent moderate manifestations of hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis). There may be a uniform enlargement of the thyroid gland throughout its entire volume (diffuse form), or the formation of nodes (nodular form), sometimes a combination of diffuse and nodular forms. The hypertrophic form of autoimmune thyroiditis may be accompanied by thyrotoxicosis in initial stage diseases, but usually thyroid function is preserved or reduced. As the autoimmune process in the thyroid tissue progresses, the condition worsens, the function of the thyroid gland decreases, and hypothyroidism develops.
Atrophic(the size of the thyroid gland is normal or reduced, according to clinical symptoms– hypothyroidism). It is more often observed in old age, and in young people - in case of exposure to radioactive radiation. The most severe form of autoimmune thyroiditis, due to the massive destruction of thyrocytes, the function of the thyroid gland is sharply reduced.

Causes of autoimmune thyroiditis

Even with a hereditary predisposition, the development of autoimmune thyroiditis requires additional unfavorable provoking factors:

previous acute respiratory viral diseases;
outbreaks chronic infection(on the palatine tonsils, in the sinuses, carious teeth);
ecology, excess of iodine, chlorine and fluorine compounds in environment, food and water (affects the activity of lymphocytes);
long-term uncontrolled use of medications (iodine-containing drugs, hormonal agents);
radiation exposure, long exposure to the sun;
psychotraumatic situations (illness or death of loved ones, loss of work, resentment and disappointment).

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

Most cases of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (in the euthyroid phase and the phase of subclinical hypothyroidism) are asymptomatic for a long time. The thyroid gland is not enlarged in size, is painless on palpation, and the function of the gland is normal. Very rarely, an increase in the size of the thyroid gland (goiter) may be detected; the patient complains of discomfort in the thyroid gland (feeling of pressure, coma in the throat), easy fatigue, weakness, joint pain.

The clinical picture of thyrotoxicosis in autoimmune thyroiditis is usually observed in the first years of development of the disease, is transient in nature and, as the functioning tissue of the thyroid gland atrophies, passes for some time into the euthyroid phase, and then into hypothyroidism.

Postpartum thyroiditis usually manifests as mild thyrotoxicosis at 14 weeks after birth. In most cases, fatigue occurs, general weakness, weight loss. Sometimes thyrotoxicosis is significantly pronounced (tachycardia, feeling of heat, excessive sweating, tremor of the limbs, emotional lability, insomnia). The hypothyroid phase of autoimmune thyroiditis appears at 19 weeks after birth. In some cases, it is combined with postpartum depression.

Painless (silent) thyroiditis is expressed by mild, often subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Cytokine-induced thyroiditis is also not usually accompanied by severe thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis

It is quite difficult to diagnose AIT before the onset of hypothyroidism. Endocrinologists make the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis based on the clinical picture, data laboratory research. The presence of autoimmune disorders in other family members confirms the likelihood of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Laboratory tests for autoimmune thyroiditis include:

general blood analysis- an increase in the number of lymphocytes is determined
immunogram– characterized by the presence of antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, second colloid antigen, antibodies to thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland
determination of T3 and T4(total and free), TSH level in blood serum. An increase in TSH levels with normal T4 levels indicates subclinical hypothyroidism; increased TSH level with a reduced concentration of T4 – clinical hypothyroidism
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland- shows an increase or decrease in the size of the gland, a change in structure. The results of this study serve to complement the clinical picture and other laboratory results.
fine needle biopsy of the thyroid gland- allows you to identify a large number of lymphocytes and other cells characteristic of autoimmune thyroiditis. It is used when there is evidence of possible malignant degeneration of a thyroid nodule.

The diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroiditis are:

increased levels of circulating antibodies to the thyroid gland (AT-TPO);
detection of hypoechogenicity of the thyroid gland by ultrasound;
signs of primary hypothyroidism.

In the absence of at least one of these criteria, the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis is only probabilistic. Since an increase in the level of AT-TPO, or the hypoechogenicity of the thyroid gland in itself does not yet prove autoimmune thyroiditis, this does not allow us to establish accurate diagnosis. Treatment is indicated for the patient only in the hypothyroid phase, therefore, as a rule, there is no urgent need to make a diagnosis in the euthyroid phase.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Specific therapy for autoimmune thyroiditis has not been developed. Despite modern advances in medicine, endocrinology does not yet have effective and safe methods for correcting autoimmune pathology of the thyroid gland, in which the process would not progress to hypothyroidism.

In the case of the thyrotoxic phase of autoimmune thyroiditis, the use of drugs that suppress the function of the thyroid gland - thyrostatics (thiamazole, carbimazole, propylthiouracil) is not recommended, since in this process there is no hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. For severe symptoms cardiovascular disorders beta blockers are used.

If hypothyroidism manifests itself, replacement therapy with thyroid hormone preparations - levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) - is prescribed individually. It is carried out under the control of the clinical picture and TSH levels in the blood serum.

Glucocorticoids (prednisolone) are indicated only for simultaneous autoimmune thyroiditis with subacute thyroiditis, which is often observed in the autumn-winter period. To reduce the titer of autoantibodies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used: indomethacin, diclofenac. They also use drugs to correct immunity, vitamins, and adaptogens. In case of hypertrophy of the thyroid gland and pronounced compression of the mediastinal organs, surgical treatment is performed.

Forecast

The prognosis for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis is satisfactory. With timely treatment, the process of destruction and decrease in thyroid function can be significantly slowed down and long-term remission of the disease can be achieved. Satisfactory health and normal performance of patients in some cases persist for more than 15 years, despite short-term exacerbations of AIT.

Autoimmune thyroiditis and elevated titers of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (AT-TPO) should be considered as risk factors for future hypothyroidism. In the case of postpartum thyroiditis, the likelihood of its recurrence after next pregnancy in women it is 70%. About 25-30% of women with postpartum thyroiditis subsequently develop chronic autoimmune thyroiditis with the transition to persistent hypothyroidism.

Prevention

If autoimmune thyroiditis is detected without dysfunction of the thyroid gland, it is necessary to monitor the patient in order to detect and timely compensate for the manifestations of hypothyroidism as early as possible.

Women who are carriers of AT-TPO without changes in thyroid function are at risk of developing hypothyroidism if they become pregnant. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition and function of the thyroid gland both early stages pregnancy and after childbirth.

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