What is the connection of Thyroid Diseases and the Auto-Immune System?
Thyroid diseases (Hashimoto and Grave’s disease in particular) are caused by a malfunction in our auto-immune system. Because of the abnormality in the body’s very own protective mechanism, an injury or damage in any of our system occurs.
Auto-immune diseases have been a battle for most people. Because the cause is unknown and the treatment is only directed to supportive and palliative care, no one can really get cured from a particular auto-immune disease. Although bodily conditions can be controlled, they cannot be fully terminated or cured in the body.
Once the treatment stops, the disease becomes apparent again. Therefore, compliance with the treatment regimen is necessary to avoid experiencing the bouts of the disease.
Understanding Auto-Immunity
Auto-immune diseases cover 80 categories of various illnesses. Each has a different nature and can affect various organs in the body including the endocrine glands. The immune system gets confused and attacks the body. Rather than protecting the organs and cells, it turns around and attacks the body instead. It produces minor inflammatory reactions and may cause other fatal effects and diseases.
Population Affected By Auto-Immune Disease
Auto-immune diseases can attack anybody. However, there is a high risk population or group which can be affected with it. It predominantly strikes women and typically appears after giving birth. Auto-immune diseases are also very apparent in people experiencing high physical or emotional stress. It appears in periods of hormonal changes and may even conjure during accidents.
Auto-immune diseases may also run in families. If your immediate family members are affected with it, you may be at higher risk of acquiring an auto-immune illness. You should prepare yourself by knowing the symptoms of an impending auto-immune attack. You also have to monitor your health so you may spare yourself from having such condition.
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Auto-Immunity and Thyroid Disorders
Background
Thyroid disorders are the 2nd most common endocrine malfunctions. Auto-immune causes are the main precipitating factors found in hypo or hyperactive thyroid conditions. Specifically, auto-immunity targets Grave’s disease which is under the hyperactive classification. It also targets Hashimoto’s disease under the hyporactive state.
Aside from hypo and hyperactive conditions, thyroiditis in pregnant women may occur as a cause of auto-immune malfunction. The disorder gradually resolves as the woman returns to her pre-pregnant state.
The Pathophysiology
The cause of auto-immune thyroid disorders is unknown. It may come from specific tissue defects and may be a genetically transferred condition. One or more auto-antibodies is the resultant factor of this auto-immune condition.
The Thyroid Diseases Involved
Grave’s disease
This is a hyperactive condition in the body. It entails a faster metabolism and other manifestations like hyperactive bowel condition, palpitations, high blood pressure and several hyperactive states.
Hashimoto Thyroditis
This is a hypoactive condition in the body. The body has a lower than normal metabolism, making the person high risk for heart diseases.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
The pregnant woman may develop abnormalities in her thyroid gland right after giving birth. The problem may be due to the raging hormones of the pregnant woman. In most cases, the condition resolves on its own.
How Auto-Immune Conditions Come About
Immune System Malfunction
Theory says that if a malfunction in the immune system occurs, various physiologic findings may become evident. The malfunction starts from the body itself and from other environmental conditions. Diet drinks, MSG content, and other harmful chemicals may be a cause of this malfunction in the immune system.
Lack of Cellular Communication
The cells attack themselves rather than attacking the disease. This may be present in viral conditions. The lack of cellular communication among cells has unknown reasons. The cells just begin attacking the body and cause several manifestations to surface.
Out Of Balance Immune System
The auto-immune system may be out of balance. In times of disease, the immune system may be interrupted. Other immune conditions like AIDS may cause auto-immune attacks because the body itself is experiencing an altered immune system.
Candida Infections
Studies show that simple Candida infections may cause an auto immune attack in the body. Although not yet proven, there are significant findings showing the relationship of auto-immune diseases and Candida infections. It is very essential to keep the body as healthy as possible to avoid experiencing auto-immune diseases.
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