Experts warn undetected thyroid diseases can lead to major health complications

Primary goal of the discussion was to increase awareness about thyroid diseases and the need to encourage early treatment of thyroid dysfunctions.

ASSOCHAM CSR Council, under the ILLNESS TO WELLNESS initiative, hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Thyroid Matters: In Health & Disease’ with the primary goal of increasing awareness about thyroid diseases and the need to encourage early treatment of thyroid dysfunctions.

The panel comprised Padma Shri Dr (Prof.) Chandrakant Sambhaji Pandav, Member, National Council on POSHAN Abhiyan and Former Head, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI, Dr Subhash K Wangnoo, Senior Consultant – Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi and Dr Mudit Sabharwal, Consultant Diabetes & Endocrinology, Fortis La Femme Multi Specialty Hospital and Director and Consultant, Diabetologist, Dharma Diabetes and Metabolic Clinics, Delhi & NCR. The session was moderated by Dr Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control, Delhi-NCR and EC Member, RSSDI. 

Dr Pandav explained the importance of awareness in tackling the rise in thyroid diseases. He also mentioned that adequately iodised salt is needed to stave off thyroid diseases. 

On the other hand, Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, pointed out how 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.

 “A simple exercise like Surya Namaskar can help control/prevent hyperthyroidism. After Covid-19, we have seen rise in cases of hyperthyroidism. We must remember that cholesterol and diabetes are also linked to thyroid, therefore, people should ensure a healthy lifestyle to prevent health issues like thyroid ailments,” Dr Sabharwal said.

Dr Wangnoo said unexpected weakness, postpartum depression in women, and lethargy are signs of thyroid dysfunction to watch out for.