Content:
- Causes of Hyperthyroidism
- The main diseases associated with hyperthyroidism
- Diagnosing thyroid hyperfunction
- Rules for the treatment of hyperthyroidism
By definition, hyperthyroidism is a disorder leading to increased secretion of hormones. Primary and secondary hyperthyroidism are distinguished depending on whether the thyroid gland is altered or if the patient has pronounced endemic goiter.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be either pronounced or invisible, this directly depends on how much “excess” hormone is secreted. By the way, this disease is in most cases female, since during the life according to statistics one out of sixty women and only one out of seven hundred is exposed to it.
The main symptoms, such as an enlarged thyroid gland and exophthalmos, are supplemented by such manifestations as:
- trembling hands
- losing weight
- excessive nervous excitement
- excessive motor activity
- tendency to diarrhea,
- heavy sweating
- palpitations,
- menstrual irregularities,
- insomnia,
- pronounced depression
- increased appetite
- brittleness and hair loss,
- peeling nails
- severe reactions to overheating,
- weakness,
- suffocation,
- unwillingness to make any efforts (both physical and intellectual).
All of the above symptoms are reliable signs of hyperthyroidism. But hyperthyroidism in children can lead to accelerated growth and hyperactivity.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
It is clear that hyperthyroidism does not occur “out of the blue”. This may contribute to:
- pregnancy,
- sexual dysfunction,
- severe trauma or fright,
- teenage hormonal disorders or disruptions during menopause,
- chronic or severe illnesses
- pituitary adenoma.
In general, the causes of thyroid hyperfunction depend on the genetic predisposition, the amount of iodine consumed, and the age of the patient.
The main diseases associated with hyperthyroidism
So, hyperthyroidism can be the result of a base disease. This disease belongs to the category of autoimmune, that is, the patient’s immunity begins to attack their own tissues. In this case, antibodies directed against thyroid cells are produced . The mechanism of the onset of this disease has not been fully studied, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, that is, the environment, leads to the disease. Among these factors can be noted:
- severe stress
- smoking,
- high levels of the hormone estrogen in the blood
In addition, symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be caused by the emergence of autonomous nodes, such nodes work as if “on their own” and do not obey the brain, as a result of which excessive amounts of hormones are released into the blood. Such a disease is called nodular toxic goiter. The frequency of this disease largely depends on the natural features of the area, how much food is rich in iodine.
But increased absorption of iodine can also lead to hyperthyroidism. As a rule, several weeks after the termination of iodine saturation, the main symptoms of the disease disappear. Inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland can also lead to increased formation of hormones.
The so-called secondary hyperfunction is caused by excessive secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone in pituitary adenoma. However, such diseases are very rare and make up about one percent of all diagnosed cases of hyperfunction.
Diagnosing thyroid hyperfunction
It is clear that treatment of hyperthyroidism is not possible without an accurate diagnosis of the disease. So, the diagnosis in this case includes several measures:
- study of objective symptoms,
- laboratory tests (determination of the concentration of hormones in the blood),
- Ultrasound of the thyroid gland,
- determination of the level of pituitary hormones,
- thyroid scintigraphy
Rules for the treatment of hyperthyroidism
Treatment of the thyroid gland necessarily includes providing the patient with complete emotional rest (all stimuli should be leveled as much as possible). In addition, you will need a special diet for hyperthyroidism, which includes dairy and vegetable products. Pharmacological drugs that reduce or completely block the activity of the thyroid gland are also prescribed. Surgical or isotopic treatment is used only in extreme cases.
Patients with hyperfunction should be regularly examined by an endocrinologist. Any disturbances in the condition require urgent medical intervention. Thyroid medications, glucose are prescribed, and measures are taken to prevent dehydration and lower body temperature. The most unfavorable prognosis for thyrotoxic crisis.
It is impossible to “prescribe” oneself thyroid drugs on their own, firstly, it takes a certain period of time for them to take effect, and secondly, they can have an extremely negative effect on the body. Sometimes, instead of tablets, they use radioactive iodine, which damages the thyroid cells. During pregnancy, this treatment is not used.
Surgical intervention is practiced in case of detection of neoplasms on the thyroid gland. In most cases, the decision on the method of therapy is made by the patient according to the recommendations of the attending physician. It is imperative that a special careful attitude towards the sick from friends and relatives is strongly recommended. It is strongly recommended to protect the person from all domestic problems and troubles.