The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the trachea and is the largest endocrine gland in the body; it is the main regulator of the body’s metabolism.
Physiological functions of the thyroid gland: The thyroid gland synthesizes and secretes thyroxine, which increase the body’s metabolism, promote growth and development, and improve the excitability of the nervous system and cardiovascular system.
What diseases often occur in the thyroid gland.
1. Diseases caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones are called hypothyroidism, or hypothyroidism for short.
2. Diseases caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones are called hyperthyroidism, or hyperthyroidism for short.
Hypothyroidism is more common.
Causes of hypothyroidism.
1. chronic iodine deficiency (common lack of raw materials for synthesizing thyroid hormones).
2. after thyroid surgery.
3. after radioactive iodine 131 treatment.
4, thyroiditis.
5. pharmacological suppression.
6, hypothalamic-pituitary lesions.
Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism.
1, chills and weakness.
2, swollen feeling of hands and feet.
3, drowsiness, memory loss.
4, less sweating, joint pain.
5, weight gain, constipation.
6. Menstrual disorders in women.
Characteristics of hypothyroidism.
(a) Dull expression, slow reaction.
(b) Hoarseness, hearing impairment, pallor.
(c) Typical patients may have.
(1) Facial and eyelid puffiness.
(2) Thick lips and large tongue with teeth marks.
3. dry, rough, flaky skin and low skin temperature.
4, puffiness, the skin of the palms of the hands and feet may be ginger, hair is thin and usual, and the pulse rate is slow.
Hypothyroidism hazards.
Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can lead to.
1. bradycardia, even coma.
2. increased systolic blood pressure (a cardiovascular risk factor)
3. increased blood lipids (a cardiovascular risk factor).
4, infertility.
5, Alzheimer’s disease.
6, gestational hypertension, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight babies, placental abruption.
7, low A can lead to fetal neurointellectual development disorders, the IQ of offspring treated with levothyroxine supplementation is not affected.
8. Hypothyroidism affects the development of the fetal skeletal system.
Clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism.
1. hyperphagia, emaciation and weight loss.
2. fear of heat and sweating, panic, tachycardia.
3. emotional excitement and impatience.
4. fatigue and insomnia.
5, menstrual disorders.
6. Enlarged thyroid gland, protruding eyes, trembling hands and feet.
Hazards of hyperthyroidism.
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to.
1. cardiac arrhythmia.
2. osteoporosis.
3. miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation and premature birth.
4. Pregnancy can trigger or aggravate hyperthyroidism.
5, hyperthyroidism crisis (high fever, fainting, delirium, convulsions), the mortality rate of hyperthyroidism crisis is about 70%.