Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency refers to various human health disorders provoked by a lack of iodine as a result of its insufficient intake with food, disruption of the assimilation process or active excretion from the body.
Causes and predisposing factors
The main reason for the occurrence of iodine deficiency is the discrepancy in the amount of this trace element coming with food to the needs of the body.
The main source of iodine is food. Insufficient iodine content is characteristic of the diet of residents of regions remote from the seashore.
Factors such as: Increase the need for iodine:
pregnancy;
use of hormonal combined contraceptives;
frequent alcohol consumption;
smoking;
radioactive exposure;
thyroid dysfunction;
active consumption of products that accelerate the excretion of iodine: different types of cabbage, turnips, lettuce, horseradish, rapeseed;
insufficient consumption of selenium.
In women, the need for iodine is much higher than in males.
Leading symptoms
The main amount of iodine entering the body is used by thyroid cells synthesizing the hormone thyroxine. Therefore, first of all, with a deficiency of this trace element, conditions associated with a malfunction of this organ develop – endemic goiter and cretinism.
Endemic goiter is characterized by symptoms such as:
lethargy, apathy, increased fatigue;
decreased mental activity, memory impairment;
irritability, anxiety;
constant drowsiness;
dryness of the skin;
fragility and increased hair loss, delamination of nail plates;
frequent infectious diseases;
hormonal disorders;
dyspnea.
In severe forms of the disease, the work of the organs of the cardiovascular and respiratory system is disrupted. Possible malignancy of pathologically overgrown thyroid tissues and the development of an acute inflammatory process in them.
Severe iodine deficiency in the prenatal period and in childhood can cause cretinism. This pathology is characterized by a sharp lag in physical and mental development, disproportionate growth of body parts, and a violation of puberty.
Diagnosis of pathology
The diagnosis is made by an endocrinologist on the basis of the patient’s characteristic complaints, objective examination data and the results of additional diagnostics: blood and urine tests, ultrasound and radioisotope examination of the thyroid gland. If necessary, a puncture of the thyroid gland and a biopsy of its tissue are performed for subsequent histological examination.
For the purpose of early, timely diagnosis of cretinism, during the first week of life, all newborn children are subject to mandatory screening to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones.
Basic principles of treatment
With a slight degree of pathological changes, the patient is prescribed iodine preparations and a diet rich in products containing this trace element.
A significant change in the hormonal background and pronounced thyroid dysfunction are the reason for the appointment of synthetic hormones and combined medications. Thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland are used to treat sick children.
An increase in thyroid tissue with the formation of nodes and compression of surrounding tissues is an indication for surgical intervention followed by the use of hormonal drugs.
