“Doctor, may I have Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism?” We often hear such questions from patients in outpatient clinics. To distinguish these two diseases, the first and most important thing is to know what Hashimoto and hypothyroidism are. Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that uses autologous thyroid tissue as an antigen. It was named “Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis” because Hashimoto Taku of Kyushu University first reported 4 cases in the German Medical Journal in 1912. It is the most common thyroid inflammation in clinical practice. In recent years, the incidence has increased rapidly, and it has been reported that it is close to the incidence of hyperthyroidism. This disease is one of the most common causes of goiter and acquired hypothyroidism in children and adolescents. Thyroid hormone test values for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may show hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or even normal values.
Then Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a thyroid condition, is more common in people with autoimmune disease, family history, and living in iodine-deficient or iodine-rich areas. , need more attention.
The full name of hypothyroidism we usually call hypothyroidism can be caused by many reasons, such as pituitary gland lesions, hypothyroidism caused by thyroid disease itself, and drug-induced hypothyroidism. hypothyroidism caused by thyroidectomy, etc. According to the location of the lesion, it can be divided into the following categories:
Primary hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism caused by the disease of the thyroid gland itself accounts for 99% of all hypothyroidism. More than 90% of primary hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmunity and thyroid surgery.
Secondary hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism due to decreased synthesis and secretion of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) caused by lesions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Hypothalamic lesions reduce TRH secretion, resulting in hypothyroidism caused by decreased pituitary TSH secretion, also known as tertiary hypothyroidism, mainly seen in hypothalamic syndrome, hypothalamic tumor, inflammation, hemorrhage, etc.
thyroid hormone resistance syndrome
A syndrome caused by a disturbance in the biological effects of thyroid hormones in peripheral tissues. According to the cause of the lesions, it can be divided into autoimmune hypothyroidism, drug-induced hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism after thyroid surgery, idiopathic hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism after pituitary or hypothalamic tumor surgery, and congenital hypothyroidism. According to the degree of hypothyroidism, it can be divided into clinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is just one of many causes. The onset of hypothyroidism is often insidious and the progression is slow, which can take months or years to develop. Obvious signs of hypothyroidism. Early manifestations include fatigue, drowsiness, chills, constipation, and increased menstruation in women. As the disease progresses, there are gradually unresponsiveness, apathy, hair loss, hoarseness, loss of appetite or anorexia, weight gain, and rough skin. In severe cases, there will be signs of myxedema, including apathy, swollen eyelids and cheeks, pale or sallow complexion, enlarged tongue, and thickened lips. If the above situation occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital for examination in time to identify the cause and carry out corresponding treatment. Because most patients themselves fail to pay enough attention, the main way of early diagnosis is to rely on physical examination. Therefore, the annual routine physical examination has become an important way to detect many potential diseases.
In daily life, it is necessary to have a balanced diet, ensure adequate intake of protein, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins. Strengthen physical exercise, minimize or avoid exposure to radiation sources, and maintain a good mood. Great for preventing thyroid disease.