Among the diseases of the modern world, the failure of the thyroid gland is noted to be very widespread. When a person has cretinism, the gland begins to produce fewer hormones. This is a type of endocrine disease, for which a characteristic feature is a decrease or absence of the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, the hormones it produces.
Reasons for the development of the disease
During the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, the amount of iodine necessary for the body is maintained. It stimulates normal human growth, good metabolism and proper brain function.
Scientists are still actively discussing, conducting a lot of research to identify what cretinism is – to trace the patterns and causes of thyroid disease. It is important to consider: today there is no definitive answer, however, there is reason to believe that cretinism is a consequence of the following factors:
- Heredity. It is extremely rare, but there are people with the presence of an unusual combination of genetic information. Such an anomaly causes a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
- Weak development of the thyroid gland. A small number of people suffer from hypothyroidism due to the absence or underdevelopment of this organ. Biologists also record those facts when it is located elsewhere: in the sublingual zone, in another area of the neck.
- Lack of iodine in the mother’s body. The presence of iodine deficiency during pregnancy predetermines the fate of a person, thus, infantile hypothyroidism (endemic cretinism) is born.
- Taking medication. People treat various diseases, not paying attention to the side effects of drugs. Many of them contribute to a change in the size of the thyroid gland.
- Pituitary/hypothalamus dysfunction. This is a rare case that occurs in the medical practice of only some doctors. The disease cretinism occurs due to the fact that the thyroid gland does not fall under the stimulating effect of the pituitary gland.
Signs of a disease
Symptoms of the disease cover a wide range of abnormalities in the normal development of the human body, when the thyroid gland ceases to function normally.
Main features:
- Violation
of physical development:
- delay in tooth development;
- slowing down the growth process, the presence of a disproportionate physique (inconsistency of some organs with others);
- protruding cheekbones;
- deformities of the bones and joints of the extremities;
- scoliosis.
- Face
change:
- coarseness;
- the presence of a wide and flat nose;
- eyes located at a great distance;
- poor facial expressions;
- stupidity on the face.
- Violation of the speech and hearing apparatus.
- Flabbiness of the skin at a young age.
Spatial cretinism
Many people often face the problem of orientation in space. The geographical barrier is not just the inability to recognize the area by any signs, but the presence of cretinism in this form. Topographic or more often called cartographic hypothyroidism is often found in women. This manifests itself in the difficult process of keeping in mind the large routes of the area, the disposition to such a phenomenon as the spatial amnesia process. The person just suddenly feels lost, unable to find their way to the right place.
It should be noted that scientists argue that such a manifestation of cretinism is not a disease, but a psychological deviation from the norm. There are cases when a similar phenomenon occurs in the case of overwork and overload of the body. The brain is worse supplied with blood, as a result of this, visual memory deterioration can be observed in such people. At the same time, the presence of small stressful situations favorably affects the reverse process, improving memory.
Qualified specialists in the medical field advise people with such features to walk more in the fresh air, try to use their logical thinking and imagination in designing new routes. Such actions will help you cope with the progressive manifestation of the disease and restore orientation in the area.
Treatment and prevention
The active fight against cretinism is a long process that includes timely diagnosis and planning of further treatment. Technological progress has gone far ahead, and if the disease is detected in the early stages (14 days), then the detrimental effect on the nerve endings and the cerebral cortex is prevented by the administration of a hormone called L-thyroxine. Also, early recognition of the disease is an excellent chance for a speedy recovery.
If cretinism is detected in a newborn in the first month of life, then as a result of treatment, all processes in the body will function at a normal level, and mental development will be at the level of peers.
Frequent visits to the doctor are one of the most important points in treatment. This helps to very accurately track any abnormal or vice versa positive changes in the clinical picture. We are talking about regular analysis of the development of the body (height, weight, general characteristics of health).
Special iodized supplements have become a good way to regulate the amount of iodine in the body. Their reception helps to stop the process of development of cretinism, helps to restore the functioning of the brain and nervous system of a person.
Psychologists with world practice say that one of the best ways to deal with the disease is a flight of fancy. The fact is that thought processes contribute to mental development, stimulating the active work of the brain. Creative activities with children have a special recommendation. The child thus begins to acquire more skills, feels like a part of the external environment.