Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid glands produce excessive hormone thyroxine. The disease can enhance the metabolism of a person’s body, resulting in unintentional weight loss and some instances, an irregular heartbeat. The risk factors of hyperthyroidism are being female, having a family history of Graves’ disease, and having a personal history of chronic illnesses. While surgery may be necessary to remove some or part of the thyroid gland, doctors can also use anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the rate of thyroid hormone production.
Signs/Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a complex condition because it can mimic other illnesses, making it difficult for caregivers to make an accurate diagnosis. Although it does not affect the appetite of a person, the condition may result in unintentional weight loss (White & Harvard Medical School, 2010). Moreover, a person may experience a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). The combination of irregular heartbeats and heart pounding are some of the most discernable signs of the onset of the disease.
In some instances, a person may experience difficulty sleeping and skin thinning. Moreover, women may experience a change in their menstrual patterns. The similarity between these signs and others highlights the need to ensure that caregivers are diligent in making an informed diagnosis. A failure to treat the condition early can undermine the health and well-being of the affected person.
Since hyperthyroidism occurs slowly, there is a risk that its symptoms can be mistaken with stress. As such, a person who feels stressed and has tremors should seek medical attention. The urgency is exacerbated if a person is a woman who has suffered from a chronic illness before.
An affected person may experience nervousness, anxiety, and, in some cases, irritability. Some people may experience tremors and excessive sweating. The signs and symptoms which occur may vary based on the prevailing physical condition of a person. As such, self-awareness can play an integral role in ensuring that affected persons actively participate in their treatment and care.
This disease’s most common symptoms include increased bowel movements and shortness of breath. In addition, a person may experience heat tolerance and palpitations. These clinical symptoms should cause alarm because their concurrent occurrence can result in multiple complications.
Among children, the most common symptoms include feeling jumpy and having a drastic increase in appetite accompanied by a massive weight loss. Moreover, a child may have difficulty breathing and sweating profusely, even in cold weather. Some children may have wide-eyed stares that may hurt their self-esteem. The effect may be more pronounced among girls who could experience additional anxiety. Furthermore, some children may experience fainting and have looser stools. However, the condition is rare among children and adolescents. However, thyroid issues are prevalent among school-age children.
When the entire thyroid is infected, a person is said to have Graves’ disease. Graves’s disease may experience additional symptoms such as swollen or bulging eyes. The symptom is prevalent among persons who engage in smoking. In most instances, these eye problems can improve without treatment.
Furthermore, Graves’ disease is the most common source of hyperthyroidism. Their eyes may be dry and red or sensitive to light. Besides tearing, a person may have blurry or double vision. When diagnosing hyperthyroidism, a caregiver focuses on whether a person has an enlarged thyroid gland, a rapid pulse, tremors in the hands or fingers, and changes in their eyes (Papi & Pontecorvi, 2019). A blood test measures the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Moreover, a thyroid scan can be used to identify the cause of this disease.
Hyperthyroidism can result in diverse complications that may adversely affect a person’s health and well-being. For example, a person may develop heart problems like congestive heart failure. A person with this condition experiences difficulty circulating sufficient blood to meet their body’s needs. The impairment of the cardiovascular system is one of the most consequential implications of this disease (Doubleday & Sippel, 2020). Moreover, when this condition is not treated promptly, a person may have osteoporosis, characterized by brittle and weak bones. Excessive thyroid hormone production can interfere with calcium absorption in the human body, compromising the strength of a person’s bones.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of hyperthyroidism is that it exposes a person to a thyrotoxic crisis. The sudden intensification of symptoms may result in delirium and threaten the well-being of a person when they do not seek immediate medical care. The sudden intensification of its symptoms can result in irreversible harm without effective treatment.
Pathophysiology of hyperthyroidism
T3 toxicosis may be observed in the disorders that cause hyperthyroidism. When this disease is not treated, patients may suffer from laboratory abnormalities that characterize hyperthyroidism, such as elevated T4 and iodine-123 intakes. In most instances, the various forms it manifests often have a hyperthyroid phase followed by a hypothyroid phase.
Typically, hyperthyroidism is characterized by fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, constipation, and impaired reflexes. Sometimes, the affected person may suffer from slurred speech and intellectual impairment. Moreover, the affected person may also experience a heightened sense of anxiety. Among women, this condition can interfere with the menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
In sum, hyperthyroidism requires early treatment; thus, a person should seek care when they experience a combination of the identified symptoms. Moreover, they should explain the changes they have experienced to enable the doctor to make the right diagnosis. Moreover, effective monitoring of treatment progress is vital to ensure its working. A failure to address this condition seriously can hurt the long-term health and well-being of the affected person.
References
Doubleday AR & Sippel RS. (2020). Hyperthyroidism. Gland Surgery, 9(1):124–135.
Papi G. & Pontecorvi A. (2019). The unusual presentation of thyroid disorders. Frontiers Media SA.
White S. S. & Harvard Medical School. (2010). Thyroid disease: understanding hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Harvard Health Publications.
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