In a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter India, actor Arjun Kapoor revealed that he suffers from an autoimmune disease – Hashimoto’s disease. He said: “I’m a fat kid at heart. I was diagnosed with mild depression, which was indirect. If you have an autoimmune disorder – I have what’s called Hashimoto’s – it’s a continuation of the thyroid problem, but your antibodies fight against you. So it’s almost like I can fly and gain weight because the body is going through stress.” Here’s everything you need to know about the disease.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing the cells to malfunction and die. Initially, there may be hyperthyroidism, but due to the continued attack of antibodies and inflammation in the thyroid gland, this leads to hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism.
“There are different types of antibodies in our body. Some antibodies are produced in response to illness, while others arise due to mimicry, sometimes causing harm to the body. These include some autoantibodies that attack thyroid tissue, a condition first identified by a Japanese scientist now known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In this condition, the body produces antibodies against its own thyroid tissue, which leads to its destruction,” says Dr. Saroj Kumar Yadav, Consultant Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.
“Initially, the thyroid gland may develop pain and swelling, called a ‘goiter.’ After that, there is a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland, which can manifest itself in various ways, including weakness, lethargy, dullness, weight gain, impaired bowel function, decreased attention and confusion. These are some of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In some people with high levels of antithyroid antibodies, these antibodies can become toxic to the brain and attack the nervous system, causing disorders in the body. movements, impaired consciousness and abnormal behaviour, as it is an autoimmune condition, it responds to immunomodulatory treatments,” says Dr Praveen Gupta, chief director and head of neurology, Fortis Hospital.
Symptoms
- When metabolism slows down, it can cause weight gain and patients can become lethargic and lethargic. There is also a decrease in internal heat production, which can lead to cold intolerance.
- The skin becomes dry, hair loss may occur. Constipation is common, and patients may experience decreased heart rate or bradycardia.
- Prolonged slowing of heart activity can lead to shortness of breath and swelling of the body. Here are some of the manifestations of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which leads to hypothyroidism and can also affect fertility, potentially causing infertility or recurrent pregnancy losses.
- In women, it can lead to infertility, as well as periodic pregnancy losses, especially in early pregnancy. This highlights the importance of recognizing the condition.
- This condition also affects mental health. Thinking becomes sluggish, and a slowed metabolism can lead to reduced productivity, depression and stress.
“It is important to periodically check the state of thyroid hormones and, if necessary, adjust the dosage. Taking too little or too much of the hormone can cause symptoms. However, if the patient maintains normal thyroid hormone levels, which is easily achieved with regular check-ups and dose adjustments, he can lead a normal life,” says Dr Himika Chawla, Senior Consultant Endocrinology, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi.
Treatment
It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, and the main treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The drug of choice is usually levothyroxine sodium, and this drug is taken for life. “This disease tends to have an insidious onset, with subtle signs and symptoms that may progress over months or years. Common symptoms include fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and weight gain. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include hoarseness, slow movements, reduced sweating, cold intolerance, memory loss, hair loss and menstrual disorders.
The diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is primarily based on physical findings that suggest the patient is hypothyroid, along with a thyroid profile and thyroid antibody test. Additional blood tests and a thyroid ultrasound may also be needed to evaluate for autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland. Treatment usually involves lifelong thyroid replacement therapy with levothyroxine,” says Dr. Kadam Nagpa, head of neuroimmunology and senior neurologist at Salubritas Medical Center.
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