Kericho: As the world marked World Iodine Day in October, a Kericho medic has urged residents to seek early thyroid gland screening to detect symptoms before goiter develops, amid rising cases in the county. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck just below the Adam’s apple and is an essential organ for the production of thyroid hormones that control many vital functions of the body.
According to Kenya News Agency, in an interview with KNA, a resident surgeon at AIC Litein Kericho Annex clinic, Dr. Philip Blasto, advised residents to ensure adequate iodine intake as well as have regular thyroid check-ups, especially if one has a family history, to avoid developing goiter. He explained that when the thyroid gland does not get enough iodine, it fails to produce hormones which control many vital functions of the body such as metabolism, growth, heart rate, body temperature, moods, and fertility, leading to the enlargement of the gland known as goiter.
Dr. Blasto noted that iodine deficiency is more likely to cause hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, with symptoms such as an enlarged goiter. He revealed the classical symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels, including fatigue, bulging eyes, weight gain, cold sensitivity, mood changes, hair loss, dry skin, and neck swelling, which may cause difficulty in swallowing.
He expressed concern that the hospital was encountering about 40 to 50 goiter patients per week, with 15 being new cases, the majority being women. He further revealed that around 12 to 18 goiter patients underwent surgery every month, highlighting the alarming prevalence of the disease in the area. Dr. Blasto stated that 80 percent of goiter cases are women and noted that surgery is often necessary when the goiter is large enough to cause breathing or swallowing difficulties or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.
Additionally, Dr. Blasto mentioned that a subset of patients suffered from hyperthyroidism, caused by an overactive thyroid gland, with symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance. These symptoms, however, are not easily detected as they develop gradually and are less common in the area.
Dr. Blasto emphasized that early diagnosis of goiter significantly boosts the chances of effective treatment and management. A thyroid function test is used to check thyroid hormone levels, and an ultrasound scan can reveal the extent of thyroid gland enlargement. These tests help determine whether medication or surgery is necessary, especially in cases where the goiter is large or potentially cancerous.
He recommended residents to use iodized salt and seek regular thyroid check-ups to detect thyroid issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
