Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by overactive thyroid gland and production of too much thyroxine hormone. This leads to increase in the metabolism of the body resulting in rapid and irregular heart beats and unintentional weight loss.
Symptoms
- Unintentional weight loss along with normal appetite
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmia
- Palpitations
- Appetite increase
- Tremors in hands and fingers
- Increase sweating
- Irritability and nervousness
- Excessive sensitivity to heat
- Goiter meaning enlarged thyroid gland
- Fine and brittle eyes
- Red and swollen eye
- Exopthalmus
Causes
Hyperthyroidism can result from a variety of conditions like
- Grave’s disease
- Plummer’s disease
- Thyroiditis
- Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
Complications
- Atrial fibrillation
- Osteoporosis causes brittle bones
- Graves’ dermopathy causing red, swollen skin.
- Thyrotoxic crisis characterized by sudden intensification of symptoms, leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Blood tests
- Radioiodine uptake test.
- Thyroid scan.
- Thyroid ultrasound
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Radioactive iodine causes shrinking of gland
- Anti-thyroid medications like methimazole and propylithiouracil
- Beta blockers are prescribed sometimes
- Surgery which is known as thyroidectomy is done to permanently remove thyroid gland
- Graves’ ophthalmopathy is managed by artificial tears and lubricating gels and by avoiding wind and bright lights.
- If eyes are severely affected then Orbital decompression surgery or Eye muscle surgery can be done.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle routine
- Be active and exercise regularly
- Consume healthy and organic diets
- Maintain weight under your BMI
- Quit smoking