KATHMANDU: Lately, 4.5 percent of Nepal’s population has thyroid. The main reason behind the increase in thyroid cases in Nepal is the lack of iodine in the salt we take.
In common parlance, the thyroid is a goiter. The thyroid is a gland, not a disease. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland. It is located in the front of our neck. It is also considered an important part of our body.
What is a thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland. This gland is located in the front part of the throat. This is called thyroid. The thyroid is caused by a problem in the thyroid gland, the thyroid itself is not a disease.
When our thyroid makes either too much or too little of the hormones meant to be produced in this part, it becomes a problem.
The thyroid gland is present in everyone. The disease occurs only if there is a problem with it. Sometimes, the thyroid gland tends to work less and more. There are different types of thyroid disease.
Why are thyroid cases common in more women than in men?
The thyroid is a disease seen in both men and women. However, it is 6 to 8 times more common in women than in men.
Such diseases are seen in women due to cell damage. In hypothyroidism, the glands do less work than they should, while in hyperthyroidism, the glands do more work than they should. Thyroiditis usually resolves on its own in three to four months. If a medicine is given when you are sick, you may not have to take it again.
Causes of thyroid
It is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease is a disorder of the cells. In the case of Nepal, iodine deficiency is common.
In some cases, the thyroid gland may fail to treat other diseases. There are various reasons for thyroid.
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction
Not everyone has symptoms of thyroid. The thyroid is diagnosed while investigating other diseases. Problems such as menstrual irregularities, hair loss, obesity, swelling of the body, and infertility are common symptoms of thyroid in women.
Symptoms in men include bloating, swelling of the front of the neck, and hair loss. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, pain, and swelling of the joints.
Some people experience anxiety and depression, as well as constipation and gastric problems. However, many people might show no symptoms despite having a thyroid problem. However, carrying out a regular test of thyroid helps in the diagnosis of the problem before it becomes chronic.
When to consult a doctor?
When a person has swollen thyroid gland in the front part of the throat, s/he should visit the doctor. When the swollen part grows up or lumps are seen, even if other symptoms do not occur, one should consult the doctor.
Symptoms come sooner or later. The thyroid can be treated.
Just because someone has a thyroid doesn’t mean they should always take medicine. You don’t have to take medicine just because you have a mild thyroid problem. But you have to stay under the supervision of a doctor.
Hereditary causes of thyroid
Autoimmune diseases in particular are caused by heredity. When we test for hypothyroidism, it is hereditary. If one member of the household has it, others are more likely to have it.
How is the treatment done?
Thyroid is present in all people, it comes with the birth of a child. It is an integral part of our body. It is not a disease in itself. But, this turns a disease when it stops functioning normally.
One should find out whether it is hypothyroidism or something else that has come with hyperthyroidism. Some people may have thyroid cancer. A blood test can help to find out what type of thyroid it is.
In which age group do you see more?
It has been seen in women aged 18 years or above. However, it is more prevalent in the age group of 25 to 30 years. In some cases, it is noticed in women even after 50 years. However, mostly it is seen in people aged between 25 to 30-year-olds.
What to eat and what not
We especially need to take more iodine. As Nepal is a country far from the coast, most people are likely to feel iodine deficiency.
We cook and eat iodized salt. However, iodine fades with heat. So, it is better to sprinkle salt on food after cooking.
Some studies have suggested that caffeine, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, soybeans, millet, green tea should not be eaten in hypothyroidism, but this is completely wrong.
Don’t eat too much of any food. If you can eat all the food together in the right proportion, you can get the nutrients from it. One can eat any food provided the quantity does not exceed.
Possibility of thyroid in children
There are two types of thyroid in children. Some children are born with thyroid disease. As soon as a baby is born, the thyroid gland does not develop as much as it should.
It is not due to the disease of the mother. If a baby is born with thyroid disease, it is due to a defect in its own cells. Anyone has a thyroid. The disease does not discriminate.
Precautions against thyroid
We especially need iodine. You have to pay attention to food. Eat a balanced diet.
All the glands in our body produce the nutrients they need.
We must pay equal attention to weight control. When you weigh a lot, a gland produces more than it needs. Therefore, many diseases can be avoided by avoiding obesity.
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