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Hyperthyroidism
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland govern body
temperature, heart rate, and body weight. When the thyroid
(located in the neck) produces excessive amounts of hormone,
the condition is known as hyperthyroidism. The many types of
hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease and toxic nodular
goiter.
Causes
The precise cause is unknown, but doctors suspect that
the immune system is involved. The condition sometimes surfaces
after an infection or pregnancy. The problem is more common
among women and in people with a family history of
hyperthyroidism.
Signs/Symptoms
Typical symptoms include:
-
Nervousness
-
Anxiety
-
Mood swings
-
Restlessness
-
Rapid heartbeat
-
Sensitivity to
heat
-
Trembling hands
-
Fatigue
-
Diarrhea or
constipation
-
Constant hunger
-
Weight loss
Following an infection or a stressful event such as
surgery, people with hyperthyroidism may develop a severe form
of the condition called thyroid storm. Symptoms
include:
-
Extremely high
temperature
-
Severe diarrhea leading to
dehydration
-
Very rapid or irregular
heartbeat
-
Exaggerated emotional
swings
-
Coma
Without medical care, thyroid storm can end in
death.
Care
To determine the severity of the problem, your doctor
will probably order a test for the amount of thyroid hormone in
your blood. Other possible tests include:
-
Thyroid Scan: This test measures the activity in the
thyroid gland. You'll be given a radioactive dye by IV or
as a drink. Active areas of the thyroid gradually absorb
this dye. Two hours to 2 days later, images showing the
dye-stained parts of the thyroid will be taken with a
machine called a scintillator
(SIN-tih-LA-ter).
-
24-Hour Urine Test: This test requires your entire
output of urine for a day, including any nighttime trips to
the bathroom. At the start of the test, you'll be given a
radio__iodine medicine to drink. After 24 hours, the amount
of radio__iodine that showed up in your urine will be
measured at a lab.
Treatment depends on your health, your age, and the size
of your thyroid. The leading options
include:
-
Radioactive Iodine: This medicine eliminates
hyperthyroidism permanently by killing thyroid tissue.
However, too much of this medicine can cause the opposite
problem: the lack of thyroid hormone known as
hyp:uso:uethyroidism.
-
Anti-thyroid Medicine: This medicine slows
production of thyroid hormone. Dosage must be monitored
carefully: Take too little and hyperthyroidism can return;
take too much and the thyroid will shut down completely.
Signs of an overdose include skin rash or hives, fever,
sore throat, and swollen salivary glands.
-
Surgery: Some people, such as those with severe
cases, need surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid.
To shrink the thyroid beforehand, you may be given
anti-thyroid medicine and/or iodine for several months
before the operation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
Take all medicines exactly as
directed. If you are taking anti-thyroid drugs, be careful
to take the precise dose prescribed. Your doctor will
probably run blood tests every 3 to 6 months to check and
adjust your dosage.
-
Your body burns extra energy
when it has too much thyroid hormone, so keep it supplied
with plenty of fuel. Choose high-calorie items from all 5
food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products,
meat and fish.
-
Try to drink 6 to 8 large
glasses of liquid, such as water, juices, and milk, each
day. Avoid or limit coffee, tea, soda, and other
caffeinated beverages. Caffeine, like thyroid hormone, can
cause anxiety.
-
Hyperthyroidism can cause
diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration---another reason to
drink plenty of liquid. If you have diarrhea, your doctor
may recommend the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and
Toast) for 24 to 48 hours. Call your doctor if the diarrhea
is still a problem after 48 hours.
-
Hyperthyroidism can also
cause constipation. Walking is the best way to get your
bowels moving. Eating foods high in fiber, such as high
fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole grain breads,
may also be helpful. Prune juice acts as a natural stool
softener.
-
Too much thyroid hormone
increases perspiration, causing skin rashes and sores.
Shower every day with cool water, making sure to wash
between folds of skin. If you feel dizzy, take a bath or
use a shower chair.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You have a high
temperature.
-
You develop a rapid
heartbeat.
-
You feel very anxious or
nervous.
-
You get a skin rash or
hives.
-
You have a sore throat or
swollen salivary glands.
-
You get an infection. This
could lead to thyroid storm. Your doctor will work with you
to keep the thyroid under control.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You run out of your thyroid
medicine. Your condition can quickly get worse or develop
into thyroid storm.
-
You have any of these
warnings of thyroid storm:
-
-
A very high
temperature
-
Diarrhea
-
Vomiting
-
Rapid
heartbeat
-
Nervousness and
anger
-
Seizures
-
Coma.
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