Experts warn of health risks from undetected thyroid diseases

New Delhi: At a panel discussion held on the eve of World Thyroid Day, the ASSOCHAM CSR Council under its ILLNESS TO WELLNESS initiative, warned that undetected thyroid diseases can lead to severe health complications.

The event, titled “Thyroid Matters: In Health & Disease,” aimed to raise awareness about thyroid disorders and emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment.

The panel featured distinguished experts including Padma Shri Prof Chandrakant Sambhaji Pandav, Member of the National Council on POSHAN Abhiyan and former Head of the Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS (New Delhi), Dr. Subhash K Wangnoo, Senior Consultant- Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals (New Delhi),  and Dr. Mudit Sabharwal, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Fortis La Femme Multi-Specialty Hospital and Director and consultant at Dharma Diabetes and Metabolic Clinics, (Delhi & NCR).

The session was moderated by Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director of Total Care Control, Delhi-NCR and EC Member, RSSDI.

Prof Chandrakant Sambhaji Pandav emphasizing on the role of awareness stated: “Without awareness, you cannot move forward. Awareness is necessary to ensure early detection of thyroid diseases and can prevent major ailments.” He highlighted, “Historically, iodine deficiency has been a major cause of thyroid disorders. Although iodization programmes have reduced goiter prevalence, iodine deficiency still exists in some regions.”

Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, underscored, “The increase in the prevalence of thyroid-related health issues warrants heightened awareness and pro-active measures to be put in place with a greater sense of urgency to effectively address this challenge of significant proportions. Thyroid ailments affect both men and women with the latter reporting a higher incidence necessitating the need for gender-sensitive approaches to be looked at in greater detail. On World Thyroid Day, it is important to galvanise public awareness about thyroid disorders across all age groups.”

Dr. Sabharwal elaborated on the types and symptoms of thyroid disorders, differentiating between Hypothyroidism (symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and cold intolerance) and Hyperthyroidism (symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, and increased appetite). “A simple exercise like Surya Namaskar can help control/prevent hyperthyroidism. After Covid-19, we have seen a rise in cases of hyperthyroidism. We must remember that cholesterol and diabetes are also linked to the thyroid, therefore, people should ensure a healthy lifestyle to prevent health issues like thyroid ailments,” he noted

Dr. Wangnoo highlighted signs of thyroid dysfunction to watch out for, such as unexpected weakness, postpartum depression in women, and lethargy. He warned, “Thyroid does a lot of work to help metabolise and maintain blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate. Pregnant women also need to be very careful. Postpartum depression is something that women are vulnerable to due to thyroid issues. The intelligence quotient in babies may be affected if there is late detection,”