Hyperthyroidism
Carolyn Hatcher, Leroy Harrison, Kegan Goffe. Period 3A
What is Hyperthyroidism?
O Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid
gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The condition is often referred to as an "overactive thyroid.
Causes
O
Graves disease: This is a disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing it to make too much thyroid hormone. Graves disease is a hereditary condition (affects several members of the family) and more commonly occurs in women than in men. Graves disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism and accounts for 85% of cases. O Thyroid nodules: A thyroid nodule is a lump or growth of cells (which may be cancerous or non-cancerous) in the thyroid gland that can cause it to produce more hormones than your body needs. O Thyroiditis: This is a general term that refers to an inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid caused by an infection or a problem with the immune system. It causes the thyroid gland to leak hormones, resulting in more than your body needs. This condition can occur after the delivery of a baby (postpartum thyroiditis) or from taking the drugs interferon and amiodarone.
Prevalence/ Range
O Hypothyroidism is more common among women than
men, with a female-to-male ratio of 10:1 O According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, the prevalence of hypothyroidism in the U.S. is 0.3%. The prevalence is higher among white patients (5.1%) than among Hispanic patients (4.1%) and black patients (1.7%). O This disease can be sever if it is not treated, but it is mostly a manageable disease.
What Increases Your Risk
O You are female.
O You have a family history of thyroid problems.
People who have close relatives with Graves' disease or other thyroid problems are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism. O You have an autoimmune disease, such as Addison's disease or type 1 diabetes. O You smoke cigarettes. People who smoke are more likely to have Graves' disease.
Affects of the disease
O Hyperthyroidism can only be genetically passed from a
mother to the fetus, as far as transmission is concerned. O Hyperthyroidism typically does not go away on its own. Most people need treatment to make hyperthyroidism go away. After treatment, many people develop hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone produced). O Hyperthyroidism affects the thyroid and throat, causing the thyroid to swell, and complications when swallowing.
Symptoms
O Feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired.
O Have hand tremors, or have a fast or irregular heartbeat, O
O
O O
or have trouble breathing even when you are resting. Feel very hot, sweat a lot, or have warm, red skin that may be itchy. Have frequent and sometimes loose bowel movements. Have fine, soft hair that is falling out. Lose weight even though you are eating normally or more than usual.
Prevention, and Treatment
O Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease is a
genetic disease that you cannot prevent. O There are three treatments for hyperthyroidism. O Antithyroid medicine and radioactive iodine are the ones doctors use most often. O In rare cases, surgery may be done.
Surgery
Surgery for hyperthyroidism (thyroidectomy) removes part or all of the thyroid gland. Doctors rarely use this surgery to treat hyperthyroidism. You may need surgery if:
O Your thyroid gland is so big that it is hard for you to swallow or breathe. O You have thyroid cancer or your doctor suspects you have thyroid
cancer. O You had serious side effects from taking antithyroid medicines. And radioactive iodine is not an option for you. O You have a single, large thyroid nodule that is making too much thyroid hormone, and radioactive iodine did not effectively treat the nodule.
References
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Genetics of congenital hypothyroidism -- Park and Chatterjee 42 (5): 379 -- Journal of Medical Genetics . (n.d.). Journal of Medical Genetics - BMJ Journals . Retrieved April 10, 2013, from http://jmg.bmj.com/content/42/5/379.full Hyperthyroidism . (n.d.). Hyperthyroidism . Retrieved April 9, 2013, from https://www.clinicalkey.com/topics/endocrinology/hypothyroidism.html Hyperthyroidism WebMD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved April 10, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hyperthyroidismtopic-overview Hyperthyroidism: Causes - MayoClinic.com. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 10, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperthyroidism/DS00344/DSECTI ON=causes Hypothyroidism - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Information. (n.d.). Diagnose-Me - Online Diagnosis - Diagnostic Tool. Retrieved April 10, 2013, from http://www.diagnose-me.com/symptomsof/hypothyroidism.html
