Hyperthyroidism

Question 1

What is hyperthyroidism?

Answer 1

The thyroid is a organ found in the neck which produces hormones which are used to regulate body processes such as body temperature and metabolic rate. in hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces too much of these hormones resulting in the speeding up of many Body processes as thyroid hormones affects many areas of the body

Question 2

What are some causes of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 2

Inflammation: Thyroiditis
Autoimmune: Graves Disease
Metabolic: High levels of human Chorionic Gonadotrophin - can occur in early pregnancy or molar pregnancy, Pituitary adenoma - non cancerous tumour and thyroid nodules
Iatrogenic: Thyroid medication, Amiodarone
Neoplasm: Thyroid Cancer

Question 3

What are some signs of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 3

Hair loss
Warm skin and sweating 
Swelling in neck 
irritability 
Opthalmopathy 
Tachycardia 
Clubbing 
Fine tremor 
Hyper-reflexia

Question 4

What are some symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 4

Anxiety 
irritability 
Weight loss
Diarrhoea 
Thirst 
Itchiness 
Palpitations 
Hyperactivity

Question 5

What is the treatment for hyperthyroidism?

Answer 5

Carbimazole - prevents thyroid peroxidase enzyme from coupling and iodinating the tyrosine residues on the thyroglobulin reducing production of t3 and t4
Radio-iodine: used to damage the thyroid to reduce amount of hormones produced

Question 6

What is a differential diagnosis for hyperthyroidism?

Answer 6

Pheochromocytoma or any other cause of weight loss

Question 7

What are some of the complications of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 7

AF
Congestive heart failure
Oesteoporosis
Grave’s dermopathy (if cause is graves disease) - rd swollen skin
Thyroid Storm - sudden flare up of symptoms usually due to trigger