Medical practitioners and health experts at a participatory discussion mentioned the number of patients suffering from hypothyroidism has gradually been rising in the society due to various reasons.
They defined that hypothyroidism is a common condition of thyroid hormone deficiency, which is readily diagnosed and managed but potentially fatal in severe cases if untreated.
The specialists came up with the observation while addressing a scientific seminar titled “Updates in Nuclear Medicine: Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-Computed Tomography (CT)” here on Saturday afternoon.
Society of Nuclear Medicine Bangladesh (SNMB) and Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) Rajshahi jointly organised the seminar at Ameer Uddin Lecture Gallery of Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) in association with Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC).
The seminar discussed and devised ways and means on how to help the hypothyroidism patients leading a glowing life through managing the hypothyroidism.
RMC Principal Prof Nowshad Ali and BAEC Member (Bioscience) Prof Sanwar Hossain addressed the seminar as chief and special guests respectively with SNMB President Prof Raihan Hossain in the chair. RMC Teachers Association President Prof Abdullah Al Mamun and its Medicine Department Head Prof Khalilur Rahman also spoke on the occasion disseminating their expertise on the issue.
During his keynote presentation, Prof Dr Mostofa Shamim Ahsan, Director of INMAS Rajshahi, said there is no way to prevent hypothyroidism, but people who may have a higher risk of thyroid problems, particularly women during pregnancy, should check with their doctor about the need for additional iodine. During pregnancy, iodine requirements increase. Using iodised salt in the diet and taking prenatal vitamins can maintain the required levels of iodine.
He opined that iodine is an essential mineral for thyroid function. Iodine deficiency is one of the most common causes of goiter development, or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Prof Shamim Ahsan noted that maintaining adequate iodine intake is important for most people, but those with autoimmune thyroid disease can be particularly sensitive to the effects of iodine, meaning that it can trigger or worsen hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can normally be managed appropriately by following the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner. With appropriate treatment, thyroid hormone levels should return to normal.
In most cases, medications for hypothyroidism will need to be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. The seminar also discussed the epidemiology, causes and symptoms of hypothyroidism, evidence on diagnosis, long-term risk, treatment and management side by side with highlighting future directions for research and treatment.