Autoimmune thyroiditis is a chronic inflammatory process that forms in the structures of the thyroid gland. The essence of this disease is that as a result of the developed autoimmune processes in the body, the follicles of this organ begin to damage and collapse.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is quite widespread among all segments of the population. According to statistics, it accounts for about thirty percent of all pathologies associated with the thyroid gland. It is worth noting that most often such a disease is diagnosed in people over forty years of age, however, there are cases of its earlier development. At the same time, women are faced with this pathological process several times more often than men.

The main predisposing factor for the occurrence of autoimmune thyroiditis is a genetic predisposition. In other words, such patients have defects in the genes that are responsible for the functional activity of the immune system. However, in order for the disease to develop, predisposing factors are necessary. Such predisposing factors include various acute and chronic infections in the body, uncontrolled use of certain types of drugs, severe stress. If we talk in more detail about drugs that can lead to such an autoimmune process, then the largest role is played by hormonal and iodine-containing drugs. In addition, the thyroid gland can be affected by adverse environmental conditions and radiation.

Disease classification

The types of autoimmune thyroiditis include:

• Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

The development of this disease is directly caused by genetic disorders. As a result of such violations, the infiltration of the organ parenchyma by lymphocytes gradually increases, the number of antibodies to the cells increases, which is accompanied by progressive damage to the follicles. Very often this species is combined with other autoimmune diseases;

• Postpartum variety

This variety is diagnosed most often. The thyroid gland is damaged by the immune system, which sharply activated after childbirth. This process is associated with the fact that immunity during pregnancy is suppressed due to natural causes. Accordingly, after childbirth, he again begins to work in full force, which leads to autoimmune processes;

• Painless variety

At present, it is not possible to precisely determine the cause of this variety. It is only known that its mechanism is similar to that in postpartum disease;

• Cytokine-induced species

It is formed as a result of prolonged treatment with interferon preparations. This can occur with hepatitis and diseases of the circulatory system.

In addition, autoimmune thyroiditis can occur in latent form, hypertrophic form and atrophic form. The latent form is characterized by the absence of symptoms in the presence of laboratory signs. The functional activity of the gland practically does not suffer, seals are not found in it. The hypertrophic form is accompanied by the formation of hypertrophy in the thyroid gland . In this case, foci of compaction can be detected both throughout the organ and localized. The atrophic form is established if this organ decreases in size, and signs of hypothyroidism predominate in the clinical picture. This form is the most severe and unfavorable.  

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

In the development of autoimmune thyroiditis, several successive stages are distinguished. The first stage is called euthyroid. It is characterized by the preservation of the functional activity of the gland and the almost complete absence of a clinical picture. In some cases, this stage can last for several years.

The next stage is subclinical. It is accompanied by increasing damage to the gland follicles, which gradually leads to inhibition of its functions. The amount of thyroid hormones produced is reduced, but any clear symptoms do not yet appear.

The third stage is called thyrotoxic. The thyroid gland is already quite badly damaged, as a result of which the existing thyroid hormones are released into the blood. All this leads to an increase in the clinical picture corresponding to hyperthyroidism. A sick person begins to complain of fatigue, weakness and irritability. Emotional lability is noted, which can lead to sudden outbursts of anger or tearfulness. Signs such as increased sweating, palpitations, and stool disorder in the form of diarrhea are characteristic. Many patients have reduced sex drive. 

The fourth stage is hypothyroid. Its development is due to the fact that most of the follicles are damaged by the cells of the immune system, as a result of which the level of thyroid hormones drops sharply. Symptoms such as increased weakness and depression of the emotional state, weight gain, pallor and swelling of the skin, frequent constipation, hair loss and brittle nails are present.

Thyroid treatment

The principles of treatment for this disease directly depend on its stage. In the thyrotoxic stage, it is recommended that drugs be given that have a symptomatic focus. These may include beta-blockers, sedatives, and so on. In the hypothyroid stage, substitution therapy with drugs containing thyroid hormones should be used. In some cases, surgery may be considered.  

Prevention of autoimmune thyroiditis

It is quite difficult to talk about methods of preventing this pathology. The only important point is the periodic passage of routine examinations to detect violations as early as possible.