Hyperthyroidism is a well-known disease that we hear about frequently these days. It is a condition where our thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormone more than needed. It comes up with many symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, nervousness and the like. If unnoticed, the symptoms rise and lead to a severe condition. Nothing to worry about, as hyperthyroidism treatment is accessible to all individuals today. Let’s look into some significant warning signs that you should know to identify them.
How it originates
Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition that makes our immune system attack our thyroid gland. It is the most common condition which causes hyperthyroidism. Overactive lumps in the thyroid gland can produce excessive thyroid hormone. Another autoimmune disease named thyroiditis can accelerate inflammation of our thyroid gland. Adding too much iodine to the diet can also cause hyperthyroidism.
Who is more prone
- Hereditary condition
- Developing any chronic illness anemia and diabetes
- Habits such as smoking cigarettes contain nicotine which can cause hyperthyroidism
- Over-intake of medications with iodine content.
- Mild thyroidism during pregnancy. It usually happens within six months.
Risks and Complications
- Heart stroke
Irregular heartbeat leads to blood clots.
It can also lead to heart failure as the heart cannot circulate blood to the body.
- Grave’s ophthalmology
It affects the tissues surrounding the eyes, which causes redness, bulging eyes and blurred vision.
- Weak bones
Osteoporosis weakens our bones as excess thyroid hormone makes it hard for the body to get the needed calcium for the bones. Without enough calcium, bones start to lose their strength.
Warning boards
- Sudden loss of body weight despite having an increased appetite.
- Constantly feeling tired.
- Significant swelling in the neck region.
- Feeling of nervousness and anxiety.
- Alternating moods.
- Continuous shaking of hands called tremors.
- Hair becomes thinner and brittle.
- Irregular sleeping pattern.
- Unable to tolerate more heat.
- Eating more food than usual.
Diagnostic measures
We will now see the diagnosis as we learnt about the signs and symptoms above. Hyperthyroidism treatment is a step-by-step process. First, you need to undergo a physical examination to check whether you have any disease symptoms. It is followed by taking blood tests. It measures our Thyroid stimulating hormone. Taking biotin or other multivitamins can lead to a false report in the blood test. Then, you have to take a radioactive scan in which you have to take a small amount of radioactive iodine. This help to know how much iodine is seized by your thyroid gland and how much is left. The final process is ultrasound scanning. Sound waves take pictures of thyroid gland and thyroid nodules better. It is a good option for pregnant ladies as there is no exposure to radiation in this process.
How it is treated
The treatment for hyperthyroidism varies according to the person’s age and the amount of infection spread. The doctor may suggest antithyroid drugs. If medications don’t work, beta-blockers may control thyroidism. The ultimate stage is surgery, when nothing above works.
Wrap up
Hyperthyroidism is a severe disease, but you can prevent it if you find the symptoms at the right time. Reports reveal that people with hyperthyroidism are developing headaches with pulsing pain. Headache treatment can be taken and cured by working with your doctor.
