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Common Thyroid Problems Explained

By 12 Mar, 2019 Women's Health , ,

Male physician checking patient throat and neck, health examination in hospitalYour thyroid is a small gland that is critical for regulating a variety of bodily functions. Several conditions can affect the thyroid and cause a variety of complex symptoms. If you believe you may be experiencing any of the thyroid problems described below, make an appointment to speak with your doctor.

Hypothyroidism

A condition marked by an underactive thyroid that affects approximately 4.6 percent of people 12 years old and older. When your thyroid underproduces the hormones that control your metabolism, you may experience:

  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Memory problems
  • Slowed heartbeat
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Dry skin
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Weakness
  • Coma

Hyperthyroidism

A condition in which your thyroid overproduces hormones, resulting in such symptoms as:

  • Weight loss
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Insomnia
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Increased sweating
  • Shaking
  • Thin skin
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Muscle weakness

Hyperthyroidism affects about one percent of women and is less common in men.

Goiter

Swelling of the thyroid. Goiter may be the result of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Goiter may appear on one or both sides of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Nodules

Also called toxic nodular goiter or multinodular goiter, the condition is marked by small growths that develop in the thyroid. The nodules are typically round and move with the gland when you swallow or roll underneath your fingertips when examining the area. When benign, they rarely cause associated complications.

Graves’ Disease

An autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of hormones. Graves’ Disease can cause swelling of the tissue around the eyes, hyperthyroidism, and sometimes skin issues. One notable symptom is the appearance of bulging eyes. It affects approximately 70 percent of people with an overactive thyroid. Graves’ disease is hereditary and is most common in women ages 20 to 30. Other risk factors include smoking, stress, and pregnancy.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and slowly destroys the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. As a result, the thyroid becomes inflamed. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause hypothyroidism and goiter and affects approximately 14 million Americans. Mild cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may cause no noticeable symptoms. In more severe cases, symptoms may include mild weight gain, fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin or hair, pale skin, puffy face, and irregular menstruation in women.

Thyroid Cancer

The development of cancerous nodules in the thyroid. Often thyroid cancer is treatable and curable.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with these common thyroid problems, talk to your doctor. He or she can perform tests to determine if your thyroid is to blame for your symptoms and can prescribe treatment.

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Sleep Safety for Your Baby’s First Year

By 05 Mar, 2019 New Moms , , ,

Baby sleepingCreating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby is important for so many reasons. As a new mom, you want a happy well-rested baby, but you also want time to get rest yourself. Additionally, it’s imperative to make sure the sleeping space is safe and guidelines are being followed.

Back is Best

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) insists that babies should be placed on their back to sleep at all times (both naps and at night). The baby’s sleep area should be kept in the same room as the parents for at least six month, although 12 months is preferable. Opt for a wearable blanket rather than a normal blanket, but keep an eye on your baby’s temperature by watching for signs that he/she is getting too hot. Heat signs include sweating and hot body areas to the touch. Additionally, be sure a blanket does not cover your baby’s head.

Crib Safety

Several factors contribute to making sure the environment is safe. First, the crib should be safety approved and should contain a flat mattress covered by a fitted sheet. The area around the baby should be completely empty. Soft bedding, blankets, pillows, bumper pads and toys should not be in the baby’s sleeping area.

Create a Bedtime Routine

Once the safe sleep area is ready, the real challenge begins. While some babies will easily sleep through the night, others will not. Many newborns sleep 10-18 hours per day, but the problem is that they don’t know when it’s day or night. Creating a routine is one way to begin to get the baby to realize when it’s bedtime. The idea is to create a set of steps that are followed each and every night.

When planning a bedtime routine, consider what activities make your baby excited and what activities are more calming. Keep more active undertakings for daylight hours and reserve quite games for the evening. Nightly baths are calming and will help your baby wind down. Reading, rocking and music are also wonderful ways to calm baby. This way, your baby has something to look forward to before bed, which may make him or her associated bedtime with this activity that brings them job. In addition, aim to make nighttime conditions consistent, so if your baby wakes up through the night, the same light and sounds are on.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/sids/Parents-Caregivers.htm
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nighttime#1

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