• Published on: May 26, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Thyroid Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Testing

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There are a number of causes for thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, and iodine deficiency. Some risk factors include having a family history of thyroid disease, being female (thyroid disease is more common in women), and being over the age of 60. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of thyroid disease but may include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, and muscle weakness.

Thyroid function can be tested through a blood test that measures levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). If TSH levels are high it suggests that the thyroid is not working properly and further testing may be necessary to diagnose the specific type of thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help control your body's metabolism. There are several different types of thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

Some common causes of thyroid disease include autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto's disease), radiation therapy to the head or neck, medications that contain iodine (such as amiodarone and lithium), and surgery to remove the thyroid gland.

There are many causes of thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, infection, radiation therapy, and thyroid nodules. The most common cause is autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyroid disease vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, constipation, and difficulty swallowing.

Risk factors for thyroid disease include family history of thyroid disease, previous neck surgery or radiation therapy to the head or neck area, and diabetes. Thyroid function can be tested with a blood test called a TSH level. This test measures the level of TSH in your bloodstream.  There are a few different things that can cause thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, and iodine deficiency. Some of the symptoms of thyroid disease include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood.

Some of the risk factors for thyroid disease include being female, being overweight or obese, having a family history of thyroid disease, and being over the age of 60. Thyroid disease is often diagnosed with a blood test that measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.

There are a number of different things that can cause thyroid problems. Here are some of the most common ones:

Autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type)

Radiation therapy to the head or neck

Iodine deficiency

Graves' disease (an autoimmune disease that causes an overactive thyroid)

Thyroid nodules or lumps (these can be caused by a number of different things, including iodine deficiency, radiation therapy, and autoimmune diseases)

 goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)

The most common symptoms of thyroid problems are changes in weight, changes in appetite, fatigue, mood changes, muscle weakness, and hair loss. Thyroid disease is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that help regulate your body's metabolism.

There are several causes of thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, and surgery. Symptoms include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood. Risk factors for thyroid disease include a family history of the disorder and having other autoimmune diseases. Testing for thyroid disease includes a blood test to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4).

The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Other causes of thyroid disease include: radiation therapy to the head or neck, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, and surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Some other common symptoms of thyroid disease include fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, mood swings, and constipation.

There are several risk factors for thyroid disease, including age (it's more common in women than men), family history, BMI (body mass index), and smoking. Thyroid function can be assessed with a blood test that measures levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Thyroid disease is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in heart rate.

There are several different things that can cause thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, and iodine deficiency. And some risk factors for thyroid disease include being female and being over the age of 60. Thyroid disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test that measures the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. Treatment for thyroid disease usually involves taking medication to replace the missing thyroid hormone.

Thyroid disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck and produces hormones that help control your body's metabolism. There are several different types of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and thyroid cancer. Each type of thyroid disease has its own unique set of symptoms and causes.

Some common risk factors for thyroid disease include being female, being over 60 years old, having a family history of thyroid disease, and being exposed to radiation. There are a few different things that can cause thyroid problems, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, and certain medications. Some of the symptoms of thyroid disease include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood.

The main risk factors for thyroid disease are a family history of the condition and autoimmune diseases. Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms listed above should visit their doctor for testing.

The most common symptom of a thyroid problem is an abnormal change in body weight. This can manifest as either a sudden weight gain or a sudden weight loss, and is often accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, menstrual irregularities, dry skin and hair, thinning hair, constipation Moreover, many people with thyroid problems also report feeling cold all the time, even when others around them are not. Joint and muscle pain is also common in those with thyroid problems. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine if you may have a thyroid problem.

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TB

TB disease symptoms

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most significant infectious diseases worldwide, especially in developing countries. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, TB continues to cause serious illness due to delayed detection. Understanding TB disease symptoms is essential because the condition often begins quietly, allowing infection to progress and spread before treatment starts.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), early diagnosis and complete treatment are the most effective strategies to control TB and prevent drug resistance.

 

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other organs, known as extrapulmonary TB.

TB spreads through the air when an infected person:

  • coughs
     

  • sneezes
     

  • speaks
     

  • sings
     

Prolonged close contact increases transmission risk.

 

How TB Infection Progresses

TB infection progresses in stages:

  1. Latent TB infection – bacteria remain inactive without symptoms
     

  2. Active TB disease – bacteria multiply and cause symptoms
     

Only active TB causes illness and spreads infection.

 

Common TB Disease Symptoms

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two weeks is the most common TB symptom.

Characteristics include:

  • continuous coughing
     

  • worsening over time
     

  • coughing up mucus or blood
     

Blood-streaked sputum is a serious warning sign.

 

Fever

TB-related fever is usually:

  • low-grade
     

  • persistent
     

  • worse in the evening
     

Fever may be accompanied by chills.

 

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep, even in cool environments, is a classic TB symptom.

Night sweats occur due to immune system activation against infection.

 

Unexplained Weight Loss

Significant weight loss without dieting is common.

TB causes:

  • reduced appetite
     

  • increased metabolic demand
     

Weight loss indicates advanced disease activity.

 

Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic fatigue is often one of the earliest symptoms.

People may experience:

  • low energy
     

  • weakness
     

  • reduced ability to work
     

Fatigue worsens as disease progresses.

 


Chest Pain and Breathlessness

Inflammation of lung tissue can cause:

  • chest discomfort
     

  • pain during breathing
     

  • shortness of breath
     

These symptoms indicate lung involvement.

 


Symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB

TB can affect organs beyond the lungs.

Lymph Node TB

  • painless swelling in neck or armpits
     

  • nodes may become firm or drain pus
     

 

Bone and Joint TB

  • persistent back pain
     

  • joint stiffness
     

  • difficulty walking
     

 

TB of the Brain (TB Meningitis)

  • severe headache
     

  • confusion
     

  • vomiting
     

  • neck stiffness
     

This is a medical emergency.

 

Abdominal TB

  • abdominal pain
     

  • swelling
     

  • altered bowel habits
     

  • unexplained fever
     

 

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

TB symptoms are overlooked because:

  • they develop gradually
     

  • they resemble common infections
     

  • fever and cough seem seasonal
     

  • weight loss is attributed to stress
     

Delay allows disease progression and transmission.

 

Who Is at Higher Risk of TB?

High-risk groups include:

  • people with weak immunity
     

  • individuals with diabetes
     

  • smokers
     

  • malnourished individuals
     

  • people living in crowded conditions
     

  • close contacts of TB patients
     

Regular screening is essential in high-risk populations.

 

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection:

  • prevents disease spread
     

  • reduces lung damage
     

  • improves treatment success
     

  • lowers risk of drug-resistant TB
     

WHO reports that delayed diagnosis is a major cause of TB-related deaths.

 

How TB Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis may involve:

  • sputum tests
     

  • chest X-ray
     

  • molecular tests
     

  • blood investigations
     

Testing is guided by symptoms and clinical assessment.

 

Treatment and Recovery

TB is curable with:

  • timely diagnosis
     

  • complete treatment course
     

  • medication adherence
     

Incomplete treatment increases the risk of drug-resistant TB.

 

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a doctor immediately if:

  • cough lasts more than two weeks
     

  • fever persists
     

  • unexplained weight loss occurs
     

  • blood appears in sputum
     

  • fatigue worsens
     

Early evaluation saves lives.

 

Preventing TB Spread

Preventive measures include:

  • early diagnosis and treatment
     

  • proper cough hygiene
     

  • adequate ventilation
     

  • screening close contacts
     

Public health efforts rely on awareness and early action.

 

Long-Term Impact of Untreated TB

Untreated TB can lead to:

  • severe lung damage
     

  • spread to other organs
     

  • respiratory failure
     

  • death
     

TB is preventable and curable—but only if treated early.

 

Conclusion

TB disease symptoms often begin subtly but signal a serious, potentially life-threatening infection. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue should never be ignored. Recognising these symptoms early and seeking timely medical care not only improves recovery but also prevents transmission to others. TB remains a major public health challenge, but awareness, early diagnosis and complete treatment can save lives and stop its spread.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Control and Research Report

  •  National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – TB Guidelines India

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Tuberculosis Fact Sheets and Management Guidelines

  • Lancet – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Outcomes Studies

  • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – TB Surveillance Dat

  •  Indian Journal of Tuberculosis – Clinical Features and Diagnosis Studies

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