Hypo/hyperthyroidism Flashcards
What is the function of the thyroid gland?
To take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine)
What is the difference between triiodothyronine and thyroxine?
Triiodothyronine is the active form whereas thyroxine is the inactive form and does not initiate any reaction. Thyroxine is metabolised by enzymes in your liver, brain and kidneys to produce triiodothyronine
What do thyroid hormones do?
Play an important role in regulation of our weight, energy levels, internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth and metabolism
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Tachycardia, palpitations, nervousness, fatigue, restlessness, SOB, weight loss with increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, warm, moist, smooth and flushed skin, fine hair, heat intolerance
What is Grave’s disease?
An autoimmune disorder where your immune system creates antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, they mimic thyroid-stimulating hormones and trick the thyroid gland into producing more hormones than is necessary. It also affects the muscles and soft tissues around the eye. This leads your body to produce an inflammatory response. Symptoms develop because ofswelling around the eye, forward bulging of the eyes, and retraction of the eyelids. This is called Exophthalmos.
What is the thyroid storm?
An exacerbation of hyperthyroidism or cases of untreated hyperthyroidism - a medical emergency that can lead to cardiac, hepatic or renal failure
What re symptoms of the thyroid storm?
Hyperthermic - 40 degrees plus
Tachycardia
Congestive failure, angina, AF
Agitation, confusion, delirium
D+V
What are treatments for the thyroid storm?
Drugs, radiation, cooling, surgery
What are causes of hypothyroidism?
Autoimmune disease - most common is Hashimoto’s disease
Thyroid surgery
Radiation therapy
Thyroiditis
Medicine
Less often:
Problems present at birth
Pituitary disorder
Pregnancy
Not enough iodine
What are symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Confusion, bradycardia, muscle cramps, dry cool skin, oedema (hands and eye lids), constipation, weight gain, lethargy, memory loss, hair loss
What is myxoedema?
Hard and non pitting mucosa oedema - most common in face and other superficial parts - often presents as puffy face, enlarged tongue, hoarse or husky voice
What is a myxoedemic coma?
Medical emergency - can cause cardiovascular collapse, hypoventilation, hypoglycaemia, lactic acidosis, metabolic imbalance, hyponatraemia (low sodium levels). It results in co2 retention, hypoxia, fluid and electrolyte imbalance and hypothermia
