25 May - World Thyroid Day

Currently, thyroid diseases are among the most common in the world., so in the Republic of Belarus.

Iodine deficiency in soils and waters, existing for thousands of years on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, - the reason for the formation of goiter endemic and iodine deficiency pathology. Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Iodine deficiency is accompanied by a violation of the formation of these hormones, leading to systemic disorders in the body.

Endemic goiter - a disease, found in areas with limited iodine in water and soil. It is characterized by a compensatory enlargement of the thyroid gland..

There are two types of thyroid dysfunction.: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which may be accompanied by an increase in thyroid volume. Symptoms of dysfunction of the thyroid gland are very individual and not all patients can experience all manifestations of the disease.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, drowsiness, feeling of chilliness, memory impairment, weight gain, depression, constipation, menstrual irregularities, dry flaky skin.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, even with normal nutrition, anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations more 100 beats / minute, wide-open “protruding” forward eyes, trembling hands, weakness, hair loss, frequent chair, sweating, menstrual irregularities.

Violations of the thyroid gland can be detected by determining the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones in the blood. As part of the provision of medical care to patients with endocrine pathology in the Republic of Belarus, regulated by clinical protocols, assessment of the functional state of the thyroid gland according to hormonal testing, ultrasound procedure, fine-needle aspiration biopsy. All envisaged studies are available both at the regional, and at the district level.

For mass prevention of iodine deficiency diseases, iodized salt is used.. Using iodized salt is the most effective method., recommended by the World Health Organization. Moreover, it is conclusively proven, that using iodized salt reduces the risk of goiter, preventing cretinism, restores adequate iodine nutrition.

Legally established, that the additional supply of the inhabitants of the Republic of Belarus with this important trace element is carried out by iodization of table salt. This salt has no particular taste or smell.. Each gram of salt contains about 40 micrograms of iodine. Consumption about 3-5 grams of iodized salt per day provides a person with a normal level of iodine in the body. Salt must be added to the dish before use., not during cooking, as iodine almost completely evaporates when heated. Iodine preparations are used then, when iodine deficiency can be especially dangerous, and needs are higher than usual. This is especially true for pregnant women., as well as children. After all, insufficient intake of iodine in the body leads to a disruption in the normal formation of the central nervous system and to ensure adequate mental development of the child.

In order to prevent thyroid dysfunction, negative emotions and stressful situations should be avoided, live a healthy life, walk more outdoors, exercise, use salt for food, iodine rich, eliminate bad habits.

25 may 2020 years on the basis of the institution "Gomel Regional Endocrinological Dispensary" with 10.00 to 12.00 “direct” telephone line will work. By number (80232)33-74-80 endocrinologists will answer the questions.

Anastasia Stepankova,
doctor-valeologist
public health department
Gomel Regional Center for Central Generation and Health