Final answer:
The student's symptoms suggest a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism. Treatment involves replacing thyroid hormones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's symptoms, including rapid thyroid enlargement, hypothyroid-looking labs, and high anti-peroxidase antibodies, suggest a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. The presence of anti-peroxidase antibodies is a common finding in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, indicating an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.
In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue, resulting in thyroid cell damage and decreased production of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression. The enlargement of the thyroid, known as a goiter, is a characteristic feature of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis typically involves replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormones to normalize thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, managing the autoimmune response through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and stress reduction, may also be beneficial.