actor Arjun Kapoor recently opened up about his Hashimoto’s disease. He shared how this disease can create difficulties in life and acting career. In fact, the requirement of acting is to always stay fit and healthy. While the problem of hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease. For this reason, weight increases rapidly. In such a situation, one has to work very hard to stay fit.
Hashimoto’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. Because of this, thyroid hormone begins to be produced less than what the body needs. Many parts of the body are then affected. As a result, symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation begin to appear. Hashimoto’s symptoms can be controlled with medication.
According to a study published in Research Gate, 7.5% of people worldwide face Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease. Around 11% of Indians face this disease.
That’s why today in “Sehatnama” we will talk about Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease. You will also learn that-
What is Hashimoto’s disease? How does it affect our body? What are its symptoms?
What is Hashimoto?
It is an autoimmune disease in which our immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. This disease mainly affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for many functions of the body. As a result, our metabolism, brain, heart and blood pressure are affected and body weight may 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 a person in India suffers from hypothyroidism, instead of finding out the cause, doctors start treating the thyroid itself. While in many cases, Hashimoto’s disease can also be the cause.
National Library of Medicine People who live in other land areas are at higher risk of getting Hashimoto syndrome than those who live near the ocean. If the symptoms of this disease are visible along with a thyroid problem, then you can talk to the doctor about getting tested for Hashimoto’s disease.
Are Hashimoto syndrome and hypothyroidism the same?
No, the two are different conditions. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland reduces the production of thyroid hormones, but it is not an autoimmune disease. While Hashimoto’s is more serious because it is an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto’s disease can also cause hypothyroidism, but this condition can sometimes occur without any cause.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s?
Some people have no symptoms in the first few days of Hashimoto’s disease. As this condition worsens, many symptoms begin to appear. Sometimes the thyroid gland begins to enlarge. This condition is called goiter. Goiter is usually the first symptom of Hashimoto’s disease.
It usually does not cause pain. As a result, there may be a feeling of swelling in the lower part of the neck. For this reason, constipation may occur. Lethargy increases and excessive sleeping occurs. What are its other symptoms, see in the graph:
Why does Hashimoto’s disease appear?
It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and organs. In this disease, antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Studies to date have not been able to find out why antibodies attack the thyroid, but some doctors and scientists believe it could be due to genetic reasons.
If a person has an autoimmune disease, the risk of Hashimoto’s disease increases. See the graph:
What are the risk factors for Hashimoto syndrome?
Dr. Abhinav Gupta says family history is a major factor in Hashimoto’s disease. Apart from this, the risk of contracting this disease in women is several times higher than in men. Its risk may increase with age, understand in detail:
Family history is a big reason: According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the chances of developing Hashimoto’s are about 80% higher for genetic reasons. If a member of a person’s biological family has Hashimoto’s disease or a thyroid problem, they are at higher risk of developing this disease.
Women are at greater risk: Women are 10 times more likely to get Hashimoto’s disease than men. Dr Abhinav Gupta says it could be due to sex hormones.
Risk increases with age: The risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease and thyroid disease also increases with age.
What effect does Hashimoto have on the body?
Hashimoto syndrome most affects the thyroid and metabolism. As a result, digestive problems also increase. Therefore, the patient requires lifelong treatment and care.
If a person suffers from Hashimoto’s disease and does not take treatment on time, he or she may face many other health problems. See the graph:
What is the treatment for Hashimoto’s disease?
Most people with Hashimoto’s disease require treatment. If the disease is in its early stages and the thyroid is functioning normally, then the doctor may keep the patient under observation without any treatment.
If the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, then medication is necessary. In such a situation, doctors administer a synthetic hormone levothyroxine. Sometimes some side effects may also appear.
See a doctor if you notice these side effects from levothyroxine:
If the heart rate increases (tachycardia). In case of irregular heart rate. In case of sudden weight loss.
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