Healthy Soch
BY ORGANISING AN AWARENESS SESSION ON THYROID DISORDERS
- One in ten Indians suffer from malfunctioning of the thyroid gland
- More than 50% of Indians are unaware of the symptoms of a thyroid disorder
Noida, January 19, 2017: Fortis Hospital Noida organized an awareness session on ‘Thyroid Disorders’ which was led by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prasad, Senior Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Noida. According to a study one in ten Indians suffer from thyroid problems. About 50% of the Indians are unaware of the symptoms of a thyroid disorder and fail to get it diagnosed and treated in time. The Indian Thyroid Society ranks this condition as the ninth most common ailment that affects all Indians.
Addressing the audience which included thyroid patients and doctors, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prasad elaborated on the correct diagnosis and management of thyroid related disorders:
Ø Types of Thyroid:
The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck with right and left lobes which give it a butterfly-shaped appearance. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that controls the activity of the thyroid gland.
- When the TSH is high, it is a signal that the thyroid function is low (hypothyroidism).
- When the TSH is low, It is a sign that the thyroid function is high (hyperthyroidism).
While thyroid problems are more common in women than in men, the symptoms affecting men remain the same – weakness, fatigue, weight gain, depression and high cholesterol. Reports have stated that men have an eight times less chance of developing a thyroid disorder than women.
Ø Symptoms of Thyroid:
- Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
– Fatigue
– Hair Loss
– Dry skin
– Constipation
– Feeling cold
– Fluid retention
– Muscle and joint aches
– Depression
– Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women
– Weight Gain
- Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
– Tremor
– Nervousness/ anxiety/ restlessness
– Fast heart rate
– Fatigue
– Intolerance for heat
– Increase in bowel movements
-Increased sweating
– Hair Loss
– Unintentional weight loss
Ø Conditions related to Thyroid Disorders:
- Goiter: A condition that is best described as an enlargement of the thyroid gland, regardless of the cause. It can be seen as a swelling in the front of the neck. At times it is also a result of the tumours or nodules that have developed within the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid nodules: These are abnormal masses within the thyroid gland that are caused by nodules, lumps or abnormal masses. Nodules may be single or multiple and can vary in size.
- Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is more common among adult women than men. About 2/3 of cases occur in people under age 55. The types of cancer may differ depending upon the specific cell type within the thyroid that has become cancerous. Thyroid cancer cases tend to have a good prognosis and high survival rates.
Ø Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders:
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose the level of thyroid hormones. Blood tests, imaging studies and tissue biopsies are tests that are used at times to evaluate and determine thyroid problems. Most of those affected with thyroid will have to take hormones throughout their life.
Ø Quick Tips on Thyroid Management
– Coffee should be had in moderation as it tends to lower the absorption of the thyroid medication. Iron, calcium and coconut oils are also advised against for the same reason.
– Soy is a goitrogen (substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormones) and should therefore be had in limited quantities.
– A thyroid patient should be strongly advised to stay away from celiac, gluten, and wheat.
– High fibre foods are an essential for patients suffering from thyroid as they often suffer from weight gain and constipation
– Mini meals are advised against and 3 regular meals should be had instead. This tends to make the medication more effective once it has been absorbed.
– Water needs to be drunk regularly to improve metabolic processes.
– Exercise for 30 minutes a day needs to be done to keep oneself active and in shape.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prasad, Senior Consultant, Dept of Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “Ms. Mamta Puri, age 51, was diagnosed with thyroid 4 years back and has been on medication ever since. Her symptoms were almost missed as they were non – indicative of a thyroid problem. However a routine check-up and blood test confirmed the prognosis. Her early diagnosis led to correct treatment which helped manage her symptoms and prevent complications.”
Dr. Pinak Moudgil, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “Awareness about thyroid is not much as it should be. While it is as common problem, if left untreated it can severely hamper and damage the body processes and functioning. There is significant need to reach out to people and make them aware of the causes, symptoms, treatment and importance of testing for thyroid problems.” wareness about the disease and its diagnosis remains shockingly awareness about the disease and its diagnosis remains shockingly awareness about the disease and its diagnosis remains shockingly.
