Clinical Immunology focuses on the immune system’s health. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
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Hashimoto thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This attack causes inflammation and gradual destruction of the thyroid tissue, often leading to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
The condition is named after Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese physician who first described it in 1912 as struma lymphomatosa after observing enlarged thyroid glands infiltrated by immune cells. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States and other developed countries.
The scope of Hashimoto thyroiditis centers on the immune system’s dysregulation and its impact on the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck. Because the thyroid regulates metabolism, the condition has systemic effects on nearly every organ system.
It is crucial to distinguish Hashimoto thyroiditis from other thyroid conditions to ensure proper management.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis exists within a spectrum of autoimmune thyroid diseases, which are primarily differentiated by their effect on thyroid function.
Understanding where Hashimoto’s fits helps clarify why managing autoimmune thyroid health often requires a specialized immunological perspective alongside hormonal treatment.
Hashimoto’s is not a static condition; it progresses through stages that immunologists monitor closely.
Management often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving several medical fields.
Proper diagnosis and management of Hashimoto thyroiditis are critical because it is a lifelong, progressive condition.
Treating Hashimoto Thyroiditis requires more than just replacing hormones; it requires understanding the autoimmune driver. Patients with Hashimoto’s are at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, a concept known as Polyautoimmunity. Common comorbidities include:
Understanding the immunological scope helps doctors screen for these related conditions early.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing hypothyroidism. An immunologist helps diagnose it by testing for specific antibodies, evaluates overall immune system health, and manages the autoimmune aspect, often coordinating care with an endocrinologist who handles hormone replacement.
Immunology focuses on autoimmune thyroid diseases, primarily Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (causing underactive thyroid) and Graves’ disease (causing overactive thyroid). Immunologists diagnose the autoimmune component and help manage the immune system’s role in these conditions.
The two main types are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (leading to hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (leading to hyperthyroidism). Postpartum thyroiditis is a third, temporary type that can occur after pregnancy.
Consider consulting an immunologist if you are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, if you have other coexisting autoimmune conditions, or if your thyroid disorder is complex and the underlying cause needs specialized immune system evaluation.
An endocrinologist is a hormone specialist who diagnoses hypothyroidism and prescribes thyroid hormone replacement medication. An immunologist is an immune system specialist who diagnoses and manages the autoimmune attack causing the thyroid damage. Optimal care for Hashimoto’s often involves a partnership between both specialties.
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