Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Causes
The condition occurs when the body's immune system creates antibodies that damage the thyroid gland. It results to an inflammation of the thyroid gland impairing the thyroid's ability to produce hormones, which leads to an underactive thyroid gland. Factors such as heredity, sex and age, contribute to the development of the disorder.
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Definition
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that results when the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland. This causes damage to your thyroid cells and upsets the balance of chemical reactions in the body. The condition is also known as hashimoto's disease
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose the condition based on the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient as well as the results of blood tests, which measure levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Symptoms and Signs
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis progresses gradually. The signs and symptoms are associated with those of an underactive thyroid gland that depend on the severity of hormone deficiency. Early symptoms such as fatigue and sluggishness are not usually noticed. But as the condition progresses, signs and symptoms may be noticed such as increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, pale, dry skin, hoarse voice, an elevated blood cholesterol level, unexplained weight gain. If untreated, the signs and symptoms become severe, which may result to an enlarged thyroid gland or goiter.
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Treatment
The condition is treated through observation and medication. If the thyroid is functioning normally, the doctor recommends a wait-and-see approach. If the patient has thyroid hormone deficiency, the doctor recommends a replacement therapy with thyroid hormone involving daily use of levothyroxine, which restores adequate hormone levels in the body.