Lifestyle diseases caused by unhealthy habits and choices are on the rise. One such condition that has become common in the recent past is thyroid disease. The leading cause of the disease is a poor lifestyle, including factors such as a diet lacking nutrients, inadequate physical activity, excessive stress, and poor sleep patterns can all contribute to thyroid problems.
What is a Thyroid Disease?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck that has a vital role in producing hormones in the body. A thyroid-related problem starts when the thyroid hormone is imbalanced. There are mainly two thyroid-related disorders: one when the thyroid hormone produces more hormone than required by the body and one when it produces less hormone than needed.
However, when the level of this hormone increases, pain in many parts of the body can be an early symptom. If one has such a problem, one must immediately see a doctor and get treatment. Otherwise, this problem may aggravate.
Hence, pain in these body parts may be a sign of an enlarged thyroid:
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Pain in the Jaw and Ear: When the amount of thyroid hormone increases, it may cause pain in a person’s neck, jaw, and ears. In this condition, the pain becomes quite unbearable. Therefore, if someone has such a problem, do not ignore it and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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Swelling and Pain in the Neck: Neck pain is one of the early symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. This type of problem affects the neck area the most. It can cause neck pain and swelling in the throat.
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Pain in the Feet: Increased thyroid hormone levels can cause discomfort and pain in the feet and soles. This pain is more intense when walking or standing for a long time. In this condition, a burning sensation can also be felt in the soles, but this symptom may not occur in all cases.
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Joint Pain: When the amount of thyroid hormone increases, joint pain may also begin. In cases of subacute thyroiditis, the patient’s pain gradually reaches the joints. When this pain starts in the knees, it can become challenging even to get up or sit.
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Muscle Pain: When the thyroid hormone increases in the body, it may lead to inflammation, which can be accompanied by muscle pain. If ignored, this pain will gradually become unbearable. In this situation, it is necessary to consult a doctor for proper treatment.
Lifestyle defines the way a person lives and plays a essential role in shaping our overall well-being. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, that includes having a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and sufficient sleep, can reduce the risk of thyroid disease. It is crucial to identify the importance of self-care and make conscious choices to protect our overall health and well-being.
FAQ on Thyroid Dysfunction
What habits cause thyroid problems?
Apart from stress and less active lifestyle, unhealthy eating habit is one of the major causes for thyroid problems. Foods with low nutritional value are one of the main causes of thyroid disorders as it is a nutrient-dependent gland. Nutrient deficiency affects thyroid hormone production adversely. Hence, a well-balanced diet is essential for lifelong thyroid health.
How do thyroid problems start?
Thyroid disorder may occur when there is inflammation in the thyroid gland. This may be due to an infection or may result from an autoimmune disorder or any other medical condition affecting the thyroid.
What are the warning signs of a thyroid disorder?
Hypothyroidism symptoms may include:
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Tiredness
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More sensitivity to cold
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Constipation
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Dry skin
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Weight gain
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Puffy face
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Hoarse voice
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Coarse hair and skin
What age do thyroid issues start?
An overactive thyroid may affect anyone, but it is more common in women than men, and may occur between 20 and 40 years of age.
