Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Alternate Names : Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
Hashimoto thyroiditis is a chronic inflammation of the
thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is in the front of the neck just
below the Adam's apple. It secretes thyroid hormone, which is
important in metabolism throughout the body.
What is going on in the body?
Hashimoto thyroiditis is considered an
autoimmune disease.
This means that a person's immune system attacks his or her own body. No one
knows why this happens. With this disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid
gland. This can cause thyroid hormone imbalances. Hashimoto thyroiditis is one of the
most common causes of a low thyroid hormone level, called
hypothyroidism.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
The exact cause of Hashimoto thyroiditis is not known.
As with all autoimmune disorders,
the immune system abnormally attacks the body. Hashimoto
thyroiditis also occurs more often in people who have other
autoimmune disorders
and diabetes.
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