K.N.O.W. Home Health - HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS

What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that helps control your body’s energy. When it gets damaged, your body slows down.

What Causes It?

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease, which means your body attacks itself. The exact cause is unknown, but it tends to run in families and is more common in women.

Symptoms

You might not have symptoms at first. But over time, you may notice:

Feeling very tired
Gaining weight
Dry skin
Feeling cold, even when it’s warm
Trouble going to the bathroom (constipation)
Sad or depressed feelings
Hair thinning or hair loss
Puffy face
Slow heartbeat
Trouble thinking clearly
Irregular or heavy periods (for women)

Treatment

Doctors treat Hashimoto’s with thyroid hormone pills. These pills replace the hormone your body no longer makes. You will probably need to take them every day for life. Your doctor will check your blood to make sure your dose is right.

Diet and Special Precautions

There is no special diet that cures Hashimoto’s, but you may feel better if you:

Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Get enough selenium (found in foods like Brazil nuts and tuna)
Avoid too much iodine or soy (check with your doctor)

Precautions:

Take your medicine on an empty stomach at the same time each day
Do not stop your medicine unless your doctor tells you
Get blood tests regularly to check your hormone levels
Tell your doctor if you feel worse or different

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call if you:

Feel more tired than normal
Have trouble thinking clearly
Gain or lose weight suddenly
Feel cold all the time
Have constipation
Notice hair loss or dry skin
Feel sad or depressed

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER if you:

Feel confused or pass out
Have chest pain or trouble breathing
Have a very slow heartbeat
Feel extremely cold and can’t warm up
Cannot wake up or stay awake

These could be signs of a serious and rare problem called myxedema coma.

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

Please read each statement and circle True or False.

True or False: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is when the immune system attacks the thyroid.
True or False: The thyroid controls how your body uses energy.
True or False: Hashimoto’s is more common in men than women.
True or False: Feeling cold and tired can be symptoms of Hashimoto’s.
True or False: There is a cure that works for everyone with Hashimoto’s.
True or False: Doctors can check thyroid levels with a blood test.
True or False: Most people with Hashimoto’s need to take thyroid pills for life.
True or False: You can stop your thyroid medicine once you feel better.
True or False: Eating fruits and vegetables can help your body feel better.
True or False: It’s best to take thyroid medicine at the same time every day.
True or False: You should tell your nurse or doctor about any new symptoms.
True or False: Dry skin and constipation can be signs of thyroid problems.
True or False: Take thyroid medicine with a big meal for best results.
True or False: Hashimoto’s can make you feel cold even on warm days.
True or False: You do not need to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
True or False: Myxedema coma is a very serious emergency.
True or False: If you miss a pill, take two pills the next day.
True or False: Some people with Hashimoto’s do not notice symptoms at first.
True or False: Hair thinning and puffy face are common with Hashimoto’s.
True or False: It’s okay to give your thyroid medicine to a friend who is tired.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you noticed feeling very tired, gaining weight, feeling cold, or having hair loss or swelling in your neck?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“Do your symptoms make it harder for you to do daily activities safely, like driving, cooking, or walking?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you taking your thyroid medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed and keeping your follow-up appointments?”

Preventive Measures:
“Are you eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and watching for new symptoms that might mean your thyroid isn’t working well?”