Number of Thyroid Patients in Korea Continues to Rise
The number of thyroid patients in Korea has been steadily increasing. In 2020 alone, the number of patients with hypothyroidism reached 562,000, and the number of patients with hyperthyroidism has been increasing at a rate of over 40 per 100,000 every year.
While each patient may experience different symptoms, they all share the commonality of experiencing unusual symptoms due to the abnormal secretion of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormone is a crucial endocrine hormone that helps regulate metabolism and body temperature. When there is a problem with the thyroid gland, noticeable symptoms such as fatigue, abnormal body temperature, and changes in heart rate begin to manifest.
One lesser-known aspect is that digestive system symptoms, such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, are often caused by abnormal thyroid hormones. Director Kim Gyu-hyeong of the Thyroid Center at Gangnam Peter Hospital pointed out that among those who overlook digestive symptoms, there are actually a higher number of cases of thyroid dysfunction than expected. Therefore, if a hospital rules out any specific digestive problems, it is advisable to suspect thyroid dysfunction and seek medical examination.
Patients with hyperthyroidism are at an increased risk of heart failure, osteoporosis, and heart disease, among other health complications. Meanwhile, patients with hypothyroidism have an increased likelihood of developing ischemic heart disease, cognitive impairment, and dementia. These statistics highlight the imperative importance of promptly addressing and managing thyroid disorders.
Detecting thyroid abnormalities can be challenging since the thyroid gland, located within the neck, cannot be seen or felt. However, if left untreated, thyroid disorders can lead to various secondary diseases. According to the Korean Thyroid Association, patients with hyperthyroidism are 7.7 times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and flutter and 2.2 times more likely to experience heart failure. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are 4.4 times more prevalent, and the likelihood of fractures also increases by 4.8 times. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is associated with a 1.8 times higher risk of ischemic heart disease, a 4.6 times higher risk of cognitive impairment, and a 3.5 times higher risk of dementia.
Director Kim Gyu-hyeong emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the body’s discomfort signals to quickly identify thyroid hormone abnormalities. Since hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have distinct symptoms, any unusual physical discomfort may serve as a sign of an underlying thyroid disorder.
Hyperactivity disorder primarily exhibits symptoms related to increased metabolism. In particular, the digestive system may experience frequent stools or diarrhea due to heightened intestinal motility. Increased appetite and weight loss are also common symptoms. Other notable indicators include excessive sweat secretion, increased fatigue, rapid pulse, elevated body temperature, itching, and eye protrusion.
On the contrary, hypothyroidism is characterized by a lower basal metabolic rate. Individuals may experience bloating, constipation, and, in severe cases, a lack of bowel movement that can be mistaken for an intestinal obstruction. Other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, low body temperature, severe cold, dry skin, coarse hair, and hair loss.
Fortunately, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have a high chance of being effectively treated when detected early and receive appropriate treatment. Primary thyroid abnormalities can be identified through a simple blood test, which shows hormone concentrations. Hyperthyroidism presents with high thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormone levels but low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), while hypothyroidism exhibits the opposite pattern. For a more detailed examination, a thyroid scan using radioactive isotopes can be conducted.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism primarily involves medication. Antithyroid drugs are commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism, and in certain cases, thyroidectomy surgery or radioactive iodine may be necessary to remove or destroy the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is managed with thyroid hormone medication. Regular follow-up observations are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Director Kim Gyu-hyeong reassures patients that thyroid diseases can be effectively treated, particularly if addressed in the early stages. Not only can symptoms be alleviated quickly, but in most cases, they do not pose any significant obstacles to one’s social life. Therefore, it is advisable to promptly seek medical attention for thyroid function checks if one experiences any discomfort or unusual symptoms.
By prioritizing early detection and receiving appropriate treatment, individuals can significantly improve their prognosis and quality of life when dealing with thyroid disorders.
(Source: Shutterstock)
Source = Shutterstock
The number of thyroid patients in Korea is steadily increasing. As of 2020, the number of patients with hypothyroidism reached 562,000, and the number of patients with hyperthyroidism increased to more than 40 per 100,000 every year.
Each patient’s symptoms are different, but what they have in common is that they experience unusual symptoms due to abnormal secretion of thyroid hormones. As thyroid hormone is a representative endocrine hormone that helps regulate metabolism and body temperature, when there is a problem with the thyroid gland, obvious symptoms such as fatigue, abnormal body temperature, and changes in heart rate begin to appear.
In particular, digestive system symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, which are easy to ignore, are one of the representative symptoms caused by abnormal thyroid hormones. Kim Gyu-hyeong, director of the Thyroid Center at Gangnam Peter Hospital, said, “Among those who take digestive symptoms lightly, there are actually more cases of thyroid dysfunction than expected.” He added, “If the hospital says there are no particular digestive problems, it is better to suspect thyroid dysfunction.” And it is recommended.
Patients with hyperthyroidism, increased risk of heart failure, osteoporosis, heart disease, etc.
The thyroid gland, located inside the neck, cannot be seen or felt, so abnormal symptoms are not easily detected. However, if left untreated, it can lead to secondary diseases.
According to the Korean Thyroid Association, patients with hyperthyroidism are 7.7 times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and flutter, and 2.2 times more likely to have heart failure. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are 4.4 times more dangerous, and fractures are 4.8 times more dangerous. When you have hypothyroidism, your chance of developing ischemic heart disease is 1.8 times higher, cognitive impairment is 4.6 times more likely, and dementia is 3.5 times more likely.
The causes and age of the two diseases are very different, but the main reason is ‘an error in the immune system’. Hyperthyroidism, which is an excessive increase in thyroid hormones, is mainly caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease, and usually appears in people in their 20s to 40s. On the other hand, hypothyroidism, where hormones are deficient than normal, is often caused by primary hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and the disease tends to occur in people in their 50s and 60s. .
Director Kim Gyu-hyeong said, “To quickly identify thyroid hormone abnormalities, pay attention to the body’s ‘discomfort signals’ experienced in daily life.” Since hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have typical symptoms, unusual physical discomfort may be a sign of some kind.
Hyperactivity disorder mainly presents with symptoms related to increased metabolism. In particular, when it comes to the digestive system, frequent stools or diarrhea are likely to occur due to increased intestinal motility. Appetite increases, but weight loss also occurs. ▲Excessive sweat secretion ▲Increased fatigue ▲Rapid pulse ▲Increase in body temperature ▲Itching ▲Eye protrusion also evident.
Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, has a lower basal metabolic rate. Not only is it easy to feel bloated and constipated, but when symptoms worsen, the bowels don’t move, which can be mistaken for an intestinal obstruction. Symptoms such as ▲ extreme fatigue ▲ low body temperature and severe cold ▲ dry skin ▲ coarse hair and hair loss may also appear.
Source = Shutterstock
Possibility of improvement with early detection and appropriate treatment ↑
Both diseases are very likely to be cured if they are discovered early and receive appropriate treatment. Primary thyroid abnormalities can be detected through a blood test. Hyperthyroidism has high thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormone concentrations, but low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), while hypothyroidism shows the opposite pattern. A more detailed examination can be carried out through a thyroid scan using radioactive isotopes.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is mainly done with medication. Hyperthyroidism is generally treated with antithyroid drugs, and depending on other conditions, thyroidectomy surgery or radioactive iodine may be used to destroy the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone medication. Afterwards, your condition will be checked and the dose of the medication will be checked through periodic follow-up observations. The most important thing is to get proper examination and treatment by a specialist with extensive experience and clinical knowledge in thyroid treatment.
Director Kim Gyu-hyeong said, “Many people consider thyroid disease to be a disease that requires lifelong suffering, but if hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism receives proper treatment in the early stages, the symptoms will not only will recover quickly, but in most cases, there won’t be any major problems in social life.” “If you’ve experienced discomfort due to various symptoms, I recommend getting your thyroid function checked rather than ignoring it.”
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