Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a condition where the immune system in an individual’s body turn against its own tissues. The primary act of the immune system of a person infected by Hashimoto’s disease is to attack the thyroid. This attack usually leads to hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones.

Hashimoto’s disease is the result of a swelling on the thyroid located in the front portion of the neck. The swelling leads to a goiter that can cause trouble in swallowing and some other complications. It is caused when the immune system attacks the tissues around the thyroid, this is a hormonal condition as the attack prevents the thyroid for creating new hormones.