Hyperthyroidism
Also known as overactive thyroid and high
thyroid
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Hyperthyroidism or Overactive
Thyroid
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone,
which controls respiration, digestion and a number of other
important functions in the human body.
But sometimes, the thyroid "over produces"
these hormones. The result is a condition known as
hyperthyroidism. It's also called overactive thyroid or "high
thyroid."
There are several types of hyperthyroidism.
Graves disease results from
abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland, resulting in a
goiter (a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland, which
is often large enough to appear as a swelling in the front of
the neck).
There's also a related form of Graves disease
that affects the eyes, causing a puffiness that some people
describe as "bug eyes." This condition can eventually result in
severe eye pain or eye muscle weakness.
Graves disease may also affect the shins and
the tops of the feet by causing raised, thickened skin in those
areas.
Thyroiditis is an inflammation
of the thyroid, causing the gland to released higher than usual
amounts of hormones. In certain circumstances, the thyroid will
become damaged, leading to low hormone production of
hypothyroidism.
Pituitary adenoma is a tumor
of the pituitary gland which leads to over stimulation of the
thyroid.
Drug-induced hyperthyroidism
sometimes occurs when a patient is taking a heart medication
called amiodarone.
Toxic multinodular goiter is
an irregularity that occurs when part of the thyroid gland
produces thyroid hormones all by itself. This condition
differs from Graves disease because there are often no eye
complications and there are also fewer signs of high thyroid
activity.
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Hyperthyroidism symptoms
Hyperthyroidism symptoms vary somewhat
depending on age.
Typical symptoms among adults include
-
Puffiness around the eyes, which appear to be
getting bigger. Some people describe it as a "bug
eyed" appearance.
-
Difficulty concentrating and a slippage of
intellectual ability
-
Excessive sweating
Feeling excessively hot in normal or cold
temperatures
-
Frequent bowel movements
-
Hand tremors
-
Insomnia
-
Joint pains
-
Losing weight despite normal or increased appetite
-
Menstrual period becomes scant, or ceases
altogether
-
Nervousness and excitability.
Symptoms in children are similar to symptoms
shown by adults, but are particularly characterized by a
decline in school performance and behavior problems.
The elderly are likely to have any of all of
these symptoms. Those who have heart disease will also
experience increased angina or chest pain and shortness of
breath, along with muscle weakness, especially in the shoulders
and thighs.
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Hyperthyroidism treatment
A number of medications are commonly used to
treat an overactive thyroid, including
-
beta blockers, which inhibit the body's responses
to hyperthyroidism,
-
Propylthiouracil, which is an antithyroid drug that
blocks thyroid hormone synthesis,
-
Methimazole or Tapazole, which also acts to
block hormone synthesis,
-
Iodide, which is also known as Lugol’s solution or
strong iodine. Iodide reduces the amount of thyroid
hormone that's released from the over functioning
thyroid gland.
Surgery is an option for hyperthyroid
treatment. It involves removing much of the thyroid tissue but
leaving enough in place to continue thyroid hormone
production.
Surgery when done by an experienced
surgeon, is considered to be effective and relatively safe.
There are, however, some risks:
-
damage to nerves that control the vocal
cords,
-
damage to the parathyroid glands, which lie just
behind the thyroid gland, and
-
bleeding causing breathing problems.
Hypothyroidism may also occur if the "new"
thyroid cannot produce enough hormones.
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