Thyroid disease has become one of the most common health problems in the country as more people are diagnosed with conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and others every year.
On the eve of World Thyroid Day, celebrated on May 25, experts stress the need to raise public awareness of thyroid problems that affect people of all ages.
Rakesh Bobba, an endocrinologist at the city’s Ramesh Hospitals, said that one in ten people in India has thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer and over 60% of them go undiagnosed. It affects people of all ages and most women face thyroid problems as it is often inherited from families and is also caused by iodine deficiency.
“Thyroid problems are not recognized because most symptoms are non-specific. People often mistake them for other health problems and ignore them. Regular examinations for thyroid problems play an important role here. You should get tested at least once a year, ”says Dr. Rajesh.
Ninety to ninety-five percent of thyroid cases are chronic, and medications should be taken for life to control the abnormality in the gland, he says. However, once a thyroid problem is detected, one can lead a normal and healthy life as there are many ways to control the abnormality, says Dr. Rakesh.
While obesity does not cause thyroid problems, staying fit supplements the medication and the best result can be expected, he added. Regarding thyroid cancer, Dr. Rakesh that it is an easily treatable cancer.
misunderstandings
Thyroid patients can eat anything without hesitation and lifestyle changes are required to maintain overall body fitness.
Dr. Rakesh said thyroid medication could continue along with drugs for COVID and also if one is vaccinated. However, the diagnosis of new cases should not be made when a person is infected with COVID.