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Hyperthyroidism Causes and Risks:
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces several hormones that regulate growth, digestion, and the use of nutrients ( metabolism ). It is part of the endocrine system.
The thyroid gland responds to complex mechanisms to control the rates of hormone secretion.
Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis results from excess quantities of thyroid hormone within the body. Rather than being classified as a specific disease, it is classified as a syndrome that describes the characteristics resulting from this condition. The causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease ; tumors of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, testes or ovaries; inflammation of the thyroid from a viral infection or other inflammation; ingestion of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone; and ingestion of excessive iodine. Graves' disease accounts for 85% of all cases of hyperthyroidism.
Risk factors are associated with the causes. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people.
Related topics:
Prevention:
Prevention is related to the specific disorder causing hyperthyroidism. See the specific disorders.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
Vital signs (temperature, pulse , rate of breathing, blood pressure ) show increased heart rate . Physical examination reveals thyroid enlargement or goiter .
Laboratory tests that evaluate thyroid function: This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the condition and the severity of symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Beta-blockers (Propranolol) are used to treat some of the symptoms including rapid heart rate , sweating , and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled.
Prognosis:
Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease is usually progressive and has associated complications. Recurrences of hyperthyroidism are common.
Complications:
- Cardiac complications include rapid heart rate , congestive failure, and atrial fibrillation .
- Thyroid crisis or "storm" is an acute worsening or exaggeration of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism that may occur with infection or stress .
- Fever , decreased mental alertness, and abdominal pain may occur and immediate hospitalization is indicated.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.
Exophthalmus: Exophthalmus is a condition in which the eyes protrude forward in the sockets. The white sclera can be seen above or below the iris (normally the upper and lower lids cover the top and bottom edge of the iris). This condition is associated with hyperthyroidism.
When there are excess levels of thyroid hormone in the blood (hyperthyroidism) various symptoms may be present, including protruding eyes (exophthalmus).
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