What is the Thyroid and How Do You Know If It’s Not Functioning Correctly?

By Marina Pink | July 18, 2019 |

What is the thyroid? This gland is found in the neck. It is mainly responsible for regulating your metabolism. If the thyroid stops working effectively, it can impact health.

Home Care Services in Silver Lake CA: What is the Thyroid?

Thyroid Diseases and Conditions You Should Know

Thyroiditis occurs when the thyroid becomes inflamed. It often occurs because the thyroid is producing too much hormone.

-Thyroid cancer is most common in women. It often doesn’t appear until a person is over the age of 30. There are rarely symptoms that are noticeable until the tumor grows to a point it becomes noticeable under the skin. Not all lumps are cancerous. Thyroid nodules are so common it’s estimated that 9 out of 10 people will have at least one nodule by the age of 80.

-Hypothyroidism is a common condition when the thyroid fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Adults with hypothyroidism may feel sluggish and tired. They often feel colder than others. They also may find that they don’t have much of an appetite. Skin and hair are often dry.

-Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism. In this case, the gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It leads to overeating. It can make you feel anxious and have a rapid heartbeat. It can also lead to tremors in the hands and excessive sweating.

-Goiters occur when the thyroid gland grows to be abnormally large. It often becomes so large that you can see the lump on your neck. If left untreated, it may put pressure on the trachea and esophagus, which makes it hard to breathe and swallow.

How Are Thyroid Diseases and Conditions Treated?

The treatments used to heal a thyroid depend on the condition. Nodules and tumors may need to be surgically removed. Recoveries are usually fast, and thyroid cancer is one most people survive. If your mom needs surgery, expect an incision that’s often somewhere in the range of 3 to 5 inches in the lower part of the neck.

Radioactive iodine treatments are used to kill the excess portion of the thyroid gland when it comes to a goiter. Prescription medications are often used to treat hyperthyroidism. If necessary, your mom might be prescribed a beta-blocker to lower her heart rate and ease the hand tremors.

Make Sure Your Mom is Supported at Home

Have you considered easing your mom’s burden by bringing in elderly care services? If she’s tired and struggling to keep the home clean or take medications on time, have caregivers help her. Services are available daily, weekly, or as needed. Call an elderly care agency to talk about the best schedule for your mom.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Silver Lake, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388

Sources:
https://www.endocrineweb.com/
https://www.endocrineweb.com/
https://www.endocrineweb.com/

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.