Hyperthyroidism thyroid symptoms, evidence, diagnostics – Hyperthyroidism treatment with radioactive iodine and Drug Administration

Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease; Overactive Thyroid)

What is hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly, and is located in front of the neck. It produces hormones, that control metabolism. Hyperthyroidism occurs, when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.

Causes of hyperthyroidism thyroid

Hyperthyroidism can cause a variety of diseases and disorders:

• Graves' disease – autoimmune disease, which occurs, when the immune system produces antibodies, that attack cells of the thyroid gland;
• Thyroid nodules:
  • Nodular toxic goiter – overactive one area / nodule in the thyroid gland;
  • Toxic multinodular goiter – hyperactive (produce large amounts of the hormone) a lot of nodules in the thyroid gland;
• Tireoidit – inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may later lead to hypothyroidism;
• The consumption of too much thyroid hormone – rarely, meat animals with thyroid disease.

Risk factors for the appearance of hyperthyroidism

Factors, which may increase the likelihood of hyperthyroidism, They include:

• Pregnancy – postpartum thyroiditis;
• Family history of Graves' disease;
• Some viral infections;
• Smoking.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism occur gradually, just after, as the thyroid becomes overactive.

Hyperthyroidism can cause the following symptoms:

• Cardiopalmus – It is more common in people over 50 years;
• Fast or irregular heartbeat;
• Breathlessness;
• Fatigue;
• Poor tolerance of heat;
• Itch;
• Nervousness, anxiety;
• Insomnia;
• Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland;
• Increased number of bowel movements / diarrhea;
• Irregular or no menstrual periods;
• Unexplained weight loss, in spite of increased appetite;
• Increased sweating;
• Tremor;
• Ghosting items;
• Lumpy, red thickening of the skin in front of the tibia.

Hyperthyroidism diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Tests for the detection of hyperthyroidism may include:

• Blood tests – to measure the level of thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies search;
• Test the absorption of radioactive iodine – determines, as thyroid absorbs iodine for a few hours.

Hyperthyroidism treatment – Treatment of hyperthyroidism thyroid

Treatment will depend on the cause, causing hyperthyroidism. If you are pregnant, this should definitely inform your doctor. Talk to your doctor about, which option will best treat hyperthyroidism for you.

Methods of treatment of hyperthyroidism include:

Acceptance of antithyroid drugs

Antithyroid drugs are most effective in the treatment of Graves' disease. They will reduce the activity of the thyroid gland. Smoking may decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs. If you smoke, Talk to your doctor about, how to get rid of this bad habit.

All antithyroid drugs can cause rashes, fever, and arthralgia. Serious side effects include increased risk of infection, and liver damage.

If the disease goes into remission, the need for medication disappears.

Beta-blockers in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, thyroid

This type of drug will help reduce the heart rate and nervousness.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine is taken orally, whereupon it is absorbed by the thyroid gland. Once there, it damages the cells of the thyroid gland, and they can no longer produce thyroid hormones. Within days, the excess iodine leaves the body in the urine. This procedure reduces the activity of the thyroid gland. Sometimes the treatment of radioactive iodine can greatly reduce the levels of thyroid hormones. In this case, you will need to make up for their loss every day, taking replacement thyroid hormone.

The operation for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, thyroid

For the treatment of hyperthyroidism surgery is rarely used. When it is carried out performing the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. The procedure is done, If medication is ineffective.

After operation, perhaps, daily need to take additional drugs thyroid hormones.

Eye protection in hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland

If the disease affects the eyes, causing symptoms, such as dry, red eyes or double vision, your doctor may prescribe:

• Blindfolded before bedtime;
• Eye drops;
• Sunglasses.

For further advice you may be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Prevention of hyperthyroidism thyroid

At the moment there are no methods to prevent hyperthyroidism.