What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism Video

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid, in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4).

When the thyroid gland is overactive, it overstimulates metabolism and aggravates the effect of the sympathetic nervous system, causing the body’s processes to speed up.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

-Nervousness or anxiety, irritability.
-Heart palpitations, hand tremors.
-Excessive sweating & heat intolerance, in which
-The skin is continuously flushed, warm, soft, & moist,
-However, elderly patients may report dry skin with itching.
-Tachycardia (fast heartbeat), Atrial fibrillation, and elevated systolic BP.
-Hyperactivity, insomnia, increased metabolic rate, increased frequency of bowel
movements, and weight loss despite increased appetite.
-Osteoporosis & fracture, fine, brittle hair, with hair loss, muscle aches & weakness,
fatigue, light or infrequent menstrual cycles & problems with fertility.
-A goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) may also develop.

The course of the disease may be mild or may progress continuously if untreated, leading to:

 

emaciation,
intense nervousness,
delirium,
disorientation,
and eventually heart failure.

 

Thyroid storm
-rare, severe hyperthyroidism
-medical emergency
-severe increase in metabolism
-precipitated by a major stressor, inadequate treatment, or
-prescribed therapy stopped

 

Signs & symptoms of thyroid storm:
-elevated temperature
-increased tachycardia or onset of dysrhythmias
-elevated BP
-worsening tremors & restlessness
-worsening mental status – delirious or psychotic state or coma
Patients managed in critical care unit –
lower metabolic rate
manage cardiovascular status & hyperthermia

 
REMEMBER:
Hyperthyroidism causes an overall increase in metabolism, so all body processes speed up & are evidenced by the signs & symptoms we’ve discussed today.

 

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by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: August 30, 2024