hyperthyroidism Flashcards
description of the dysfunction
Too much thyroxine, called hyperthyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. The most common type of hyperthyroidism is known as graves disease. It is an enlargement if the thyroid caused by an immune system reaction. Although not inherited, there does seem ti be a genetic predisposition for the condition.
description of the symptoms
- rapid heartbeat
- weight loss
- increased appetite
- fatigue
- sweating
- anxiety
- and in the case of graves disease, protruding eyeballs known as exophthalmia
modern treatments
There are three main treatments for hyperthyroidism
* medicine
* radioactive therapy
* surgery
traditional treatment
describe medicine treatment
during the production of thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine, iodine is absorbed from the bloodstream, concentrated in cells in the thyroid and then incorporated into the molecules to produce the hormones. therefore, hyperthyroidism can be treated with drugs that block the thyroid glands use of iodine
You’ll usually need to take the medicine for 1 to 2 months before you notice any benefit. You may also be given another medicine called a beta blocker to help relieve some of your symptoms in the meantime.
describe radioactive therapy treatment
is to give the patient a drink containing radioactive iodine. the radioactive iodine molecules are taken up by the thyroid cells, which are then killed by the radioactivity. cells elsewhere in the body do not absorb iodine and are unaffected. the radioactive iodine is eventually excreted in the urine.
radioactive iodine treatment is a type of radiotherapy is used to destroy the cells in the thyroid gland, reducing the number of hormones it can produce. It’s a highly effective treatment that can cure an overactive thyroid
describe surgery treatment
Occasionally, surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid may be recommended.
This may be the best option if:
your thyroid gland is severely swollen because of a large goitre
you have severe eye problems caused by an overactive thyroid
you cannot have other, less invasive treatments
your symptoms return after trying other treatments
Removing all of the thyroid gland is usually recommended because it stops the symptoms of hyperthyroidism coming back.
what makes the treatment user friendly
risks of the treatment
During the first couple of months on medicine, some people experience the following side effects:
* feeling sick
* high temperature
* headaches
* aching joints
* altered taste
* upset stomach
* an itchy rash
ethical concerns related to the treatments
what is graves disease
a medical condition in which overactivity of the thyroid gland results in the secretion of excessive amounts of the thyroid hormones
what is the definition of hyperthyroidism?
overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones in the blood
what is primary hyperthyroidism
when the thyroid itself is acting abnormally and producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormone
what is secondary hyperthyroidism?
when the thyroid is producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormone as a result of the overstimulation of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
