India, a country with a population of over a billion, is witnessing an alarming rise in thyroid-related disorders. The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and Abbott, a multinational healthcare company, have launched the ‘Making India Thyroid Aware’ campaign to counteract this disturbing trend. This endeavour seeks to increase public awareness about thyroid diseases, which health experts warn could potentially become as common as diabetes in the near future.
Understanding Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland, located in the neck below the Adam’s apple, plays a pivotal role in our body by producing essential hormones. The dysfunction of this organ can lead to a variety of health problems. Any kind of imbalance —whether overproduction or underproduction— of thyroid hormones can lead to what are commonly known as thyroid diseases. Currently, more than 10% of the local population is dealing with some form of thyroid disorder, outpacing the 8% who are diagnosed with diabetes.
Common Thyroid Disorders in India
There are several common thyroid diseases that characterize the health landscape of India.
Hypothyroidism, an ailment resulting from an underactive thyroid leading to insufficient production of thyroid hormone, has a larger prevalence in North India. Conversely, Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid and excessive production of thyroid hormone, is more prominent in South India.
Goiter and Iodine Deficiency Disorders are also widespread. Goiter refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, most often caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease progressively destroying the thyroid gland, can lead to the formation of a painless goiter over time.
Lastly, Thyroid cancer, whose root cause remains poorly understood, is believed to stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Thyroid Disorders in Numbers
| Disease | Prevalence in India |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | More prevalent in North India |
| Hyperthyroidism | More prevalent in South India |
| Goiter and Iodine Deficiency Disorders | Common across India |
| Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis | Increasingly common |
| Thyroid Cancer | Reason for occurrence not well understood |
Making India Thyroid Aware Campaign
In light of this growing health concern, FOGSI and Abbott’s ‘Making India Thyroid Aware’ campaign is a significant initiative aimed at generating widespread public awareness about these thyroid disorders. It is an attempt not only to drive early diagnosis but also to encourage appropriate treatment, thereby improving the quality of life of those affected and potentially stemming the rise of these conditions in India.
