Clinical manifestations and treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Dysfunctions of the thyroid gland function are in the form of hyper- or hypothyroidism. Also isolated autoimmune thyroiditis, euthyroidism (a condition characterized by normal secretory activity of the thyroid gland).

Almost 50% of women aged 50 years suffer from this pathology. It has a chronic course and is characterized by an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland, which, according to clinical manifestations, resembles hypothyroidism and arises from immunological disorders in which antibodies to tyro- cytes are formed. Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis in this case is carried out taking into account the volume of lesions of thyroid gland cells.

Clinical manifestations

With the preserved function of the thyroid, no complaints are present. Only in some cases, patients can complain of minor discomfort in the anterior region of the neck, as well as intolerance of scarves or collars.

When expressed hypothyroidism (secretory deficiency of the thyroid gland) patients become pale, with a blush face, weak facial expressions, slow movements and indistinct speech. They complain of pronounced weakness, reduced performance and drowsiness, hoarseness of voice and poor memory, and frequent constipation. Women have a menstrual cycle, mastopathy develops. In men, libido decreases, impotence occurs. Slow physical and mental development is observed in children.

When the cells of the thyroid gland are damaged, many hormones enter the bloodstream. This leads to the appearance of clinical signs of hyperthyroidism - limb tremor, sweating, tachycardia and high blood pressure.

How to treat autoimmune thyroiditis? Therapy of this pathology is carried out after the results of blood tests for the level of antibodies and hormones are obtained, as well as after the ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, if necessary after biopsy.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis by traditional methods

The basis of treatment is hormone replacement therapy. The drug "L-thyroxine" is prescribed most often. This hormone should be taken even in cases when there are no obvious signs of thyroid dysfunction. This is due to the following properties of the drug:

• Suppresses the synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone;

• prevents the deficiency of the thyroid gland;

• neutralizes lymphocytes that destroy the thyroid gland.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis may also include the administration of "thyroidin", "thyroxine," "triiodothyronine hydrochloride." If adequate replacement therapy does not produce the desired results, corticosteroids are used.

With malignant degeneration of the thyroid gland, as well as with compression of the trachea or esophagus, an operative treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis is performed.

In the treatment of this disease, folk remedies based on pine buds, beet and carrot juice, sea cabbage, plantain, horsetail can also be used. The duration of treatment depends on the effect obtained. But it is worth remembering that in all forms of thyroid lesions, one should not self-medicate and use folk remedies in isolation from traditional methods of therapy. Only an integrated approach can provide positive results.