Chen Ziyuan
The week of 25/0 is International Thyroid Awareness Week. The thyroid gland is a vital endocrine organ in the human body, and its secreted thyroid hormones are used to regulate the body's metabolism and growth and development. Lu Lixia, an attending physician in the endocrinology department of Chengdu Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, said in an interview that thyroid disease is a chronic disease that is not easy to identify but is highly harmful, and needs to be paid more attention.
Lu Lixia introduced that the level of thyroid hormone is abnormal, and almost all organs of the body will be implicated. Clinically, the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone, which causes hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism). If the thyroid hormone in the body is insufficient, hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) can occur.
"The early manifestations of thyroid disease may not be obvious, but there are still some clues that can play a role in prompting, and the following conditions should be vigilant and seek medical screening as soon as possible." Lu Lixia pointed out that the following symptoms may occur in hyperthyroidism: weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, anger, rapid heart rate, protruding eyes, staring, hand tremors, muscle weakness, fatigue, hair loss, increased stool frequency, nail growth faster than before, thin and slippery skin, heat intolerance, sweating, menstrual disorders. Hypothyroidism may cause symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness or weakness, sensitivity to cold, memory loss, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, depression, constipation, menstrual disorders, joint or muscle pain, thinning, brittle hair or nails, and dry, flaky skin.
Lu Lixia said that in daily life, patients with hyperthyroidism should maintain emotional stability, supplement enough protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and abstain from eating foods with high iodine content such as kelp. In addition, it is necessary to reduce contact with iodine-containing substances such as iodine wine. For patients with hypothyroidism, because they are often complicated by dyslipidemia, the fat intake in the diet should be controlled at about 20% of the total calories, and the consumption of high-fat foods such as fried and fatty meat should be limited, so as to balance nutrition and avoid excessive physical labor.
"In fact, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are like two sides of the same coin, which are both opposite to each other and can be converted into each other." Lu Lixia emphasized that thyroid diseases are complex, and the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of each disease are different. Therefore, if you suspect that you have thyroid disease, it is best to seek medical attention promptly to ensure that you are receiving the right diagnosis and care. After the diagnosis of thyroid disease, it is necessary to regularly review thyroid function, take medication according to the doctor's instructions, and do not adjust or stop medication without authorization to ensure that the disease is effectively controlled.
How can thyroid disease be prevented? Lu Lixia said that the core of prevention is to protect the body's immune system. In daily life, we should maintain healthy living habits, eat a reasonable diet, and actively exercise; Avoid overexertion and get enough rest; moderate intake of iodized salt; Have your thyroid function checked regularly.