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Definition Of
Hyperthyroidism
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Enumerate Complications Of Hyperthyroidism
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Discuss complications occurring from hyperthyroidism
Definition
Of Hyperthyroidism :
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Hyperthyroidism is a
condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
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The condition is often called overactive
thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism
can lead to a number of complications :
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Heart disease
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Brittle bones
Ø Eyes disease
Ø Red and swollen skin
Heart disease
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Some of the most serious
complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart.
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These include :
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Rapid heart rate =
Tachycardia
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Heart rhythm disorder =
atrial fibrillation
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Congestive heart Failure
Ø Good News:
These complications generally are reversible
with appropriate treatment.
Brittle
bones
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Untreated hyperthyroidism
can also lead to weak brittle bone (osteoporosis).
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The strength of the bone
depends in part on the amount of calcium and other minerals they contain.
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Too much thyroid hormone
interferes with the body’s ability to incorporate calcium into the bone.
Eyes
disease
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People with Graves'
ophthalmopathy develop eye problems, including :
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Bulging = Exophthalmos
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Red or swollen eyes
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Sensitivity to light =
photophobia
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Blurring or double vision
Ø Untreated, severe eye
problems can lead to vision loss.
Red
and swollen skin
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In rare cases, people with
Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy.
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This affects the skin, causing ( redness and
swelling, often on the shins and feet) .
Possible
Crisis
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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 :
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Medication :
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Antithyroid medications,
such as methimazole (Tapazole), stop the thyroid from making hormones.
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Radioactive Iodine :
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Radioactive iodine
effectively destroys the cells that produce hormones.
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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.
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Surgery :
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A section or all of thyroid gland may be surgically removed.
