الثلاثاء، 29 مارس 2016

Complications Of Hyperthyroidism



v  Definition Of Hyperthyroidism
v  Enumerate  Complications Of Hyperthyroidism
v  Discuss  complications occurring from hyperthyroidism

Definition Of Hyperthyroidism :

Ø  Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
Ø   The condition is often called overactive thyroid.


Hyperthyroidism can lead to a number of complications :
Ø  Heart disease
Ø   Brittle bones
Ø   Eyes disease
Ø   Red and swollen skin



Heart disease
Ø  Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart.

Ø  These include :
ü  Rapid heart rate = Tachycardia
ü  Heart rhythm disorder = atrial fibrillation
ü  Congestive heart Failure

Ø   Good News:
 These complications generally are reversible with appropriate treatment.





Brittle bones
Ø  Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to weak brittle bone (osteoporosis).
Ø  The strength of the bone depends in part on the amount of calcium and other minerals they contain.
Ø  Too much thyroid hormone interferes with the body’s ability to incorporate calcium into the bone.



Eyes disease
Ø  People with Graves' ophthalmopathy develop eye problems, including :
ü  Bulging = Exophthalmos
ü  Red or swollen eyes
ü  Sensitivity to light = photophobia
ü  Blurring or double vision

Ø   Untreated, severe eye problems can lead to vision loss.





Red and swollen skin
Ø  In rare cases, people with Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy.
Ø   This affects the skin, causing ( redness and swelling, often on the shins and feet) .




Possible Crisis
Ø  Thyroid crisis (storm) is a sudden worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms that may occur with infection or stress.

  • Such as :
ü   Fever
ü   Decreased alertness
ü   Abdominal pain




Trearment Of Hyperthyroidism :
Ø  Medication :
ü  Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole (Tapazole), stop the thyroid from making hormones.

Ø  Radioactive Iodine :
ü  Radioactive iodine effectively destroys the cells that produce hormones.
ü  The downside is that these medications can have severe side effects, such as low white blood cell count. White blood cells are crucial to immune function.

Ø  Surgery :

ü  A section or all of  thyroid gland may be surgically removed.