According to official information of the World Health Organization, every second inhabitant of the world suffers from pathologies in the operation of such a tiny organ as the thyroid gland. Moreover, diseases affect mainly women.
Despite the medical progress in the therapy of endocrine system diseases, the number of pathologies is only growing. Ecology, nutrition and stress exacerbate the situation. Fortunately, the civilized community began using the ultrasound method of investigation. It accurately diagnoses the presence of any dysfunction in real time. Therefore, everyone should have an idea of how to properly prepare for ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
Diagnostic methods
To assess the ailments of the endocrine system and thyroid gland in particular in medicine, a comprehensive method is used:
- visual examination, palpation of the gland;
- conversation with the patient;
- blood test for necessary hormones;
- ultrasound examination of the gland.
Through ultrasound, both the presence of an existing disease and its development in dynamics are revealed. In this case, the doctor almost immediately establishes a diagnosis. Moreover, even the causes of diseases are revealed.
Ultrasound examination is the most accessible and demonstrative method that determines the structure and dimensions of the thyroid gland, revealing the state of the vessels and lymphatic system. But how to properly prepare for ultrasound?
Preparatory measures for ultrasound
Despite the fact that scanning is not at all a complex diagnostic study, which does not need to be prepared for it, there are still a few rules. Preparation for ultrasound of the thyroid gland includes:
- before the ultrasound of the thyroid gland can eat and drink. But in case the body is weakened, an ultrasound examination can cause vomiting. Therefore, try not to eat for a couple of hours before the procedure. Children and the elderly should not eat before research;
- during the actions of a specialist think about good, relax, get distracted;
- in women during menstruation, thyroid ultrasound is usually not performed. The seventh day of the cycle is optimal;
- from men is only required to arrive on time;
- on day of inspection put on easy loose clothes which are not covering a neck which can be quickly removed if necessary. Exclude jewelry and jewelry in the area under examination.
Preparing for the procedure of ultrasound of the thyroid gland can not be called difficult. For the most accurate results, follow the tips above.
Neskuchnaya anatomy
The thyroid gland( SHCHZ) is a gland of internal secretion. It produces a number of special hormones that affect mental and physical health, a correct metabolism.
Its name from the Greek is translated as "shield", and the international variant is thyroid. The gland is represented in the image of a butterfly. It protects the upper respiratory center, the larynx.
Interesting! In written sources of the period BC before the first mention of the thyroid gland occurs.
Purpose of the endocrine organ
SCHZ synthesizes three hormones: two iodine( triiodothyronine, thyroxine) and
thyrecalcitonin, which does not contain iodine. The production of hormones containing iodine is the main task of the gland. The thyroid gland is the only organ where the synthesis of organic substances containing iodine takes place.
The predominant cause of dysfunction in the gland is the lack of iodine, the main constituent of the thyroid hormones. Its deficiency initiates the formation of iodine deficiency states. The body requires constant replenishment of this element for the synthesis of hormones. If this does not occur, then the following symptoms of the development of the disease are observed:
- apathy, tearfulness, weakness;
- dry skin;
- fragility, foliation of the nail plate;
- sharp weight loss;
- insomnia;Edema of the hands, feet, face.
But the described signs may indicate the presence of other pathologies and dysfunctions. Therefore, only ultrasound of the thyroid gland can accurately diagnose the disease.
Please note that you can perform a correct scan analysis and only a qualified physician can issue a report. After all, the neck of a man is not easy. It contains vessels, trachea, lymph nodes, three glands, an esophagus.
What is the procedure for?
Because the body is not deep, the apparatus can be used to study almost all of the gland. Ultrasound examination reveals the exact parameters of lobes, isthmus, determines the volume of the thyroid gland. The specialist evaluates the contours and position of the gland, indicators of echogenicity, homogeneity. The findings are compared with norms that depend on gender and age. The prescribed volume for women is 18 ml, for men - 25 ml.
During the ultrasound examination, the presence of such ailments is determined:
- of the species ZOBa;
- hypothyroidism;
- thyroiditis;
- cyst;
- tumors of various types.
Note! Subsequently, the melting of glaciers, during warming, the main constituent of soil iodine was washed by water and transferred to the hydrosphere. The oceans are an exceptional and unique natural source of iodine.
In connection with the prevalence of diseases of the endocrine system and their hidden manifestations, doctors recommend to undergo an ultrasound examination once a year. This is particularly true of women who "stepped" in the line of 35 years. Because they are at risk. Scanning provides an opportunity to identify dysfunction at the initial stage and to conduct successful therapy.
But residents of contaminated radiation areas, patients with chronic endocrine diseases, pregnant women, or with gynecological problems, must undergo ultrasound examination every six months.
How does the ultrasound procedure go?
After studying the information on the necessary preparation for ultrasound of the thyroid gland, boldly go to the procedure. It is completely painless and will take no more than 15 minutes.
Tip! Take the towel for the scan session.
The patient is placed on the couch, a cushion is placed under the neck area, ensuring that the head is tilted back. A special gel-carrying gel is applied to the thyroid gland. The specialist, using a sensor, gives a characteristic of the gland. At the end of the procedure, the patient is given a conclusion.
In conclusion,
The ultrasonic method of investigation appeared not so long ago. But proved to be harmless and accurate. Do not neglect the procedure of ultrasound, properly prepare for it and the results will please you only.
