* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download Do you want to know? - American University of Beirut
Survey
Document related concepts
Globalization and disease wikipedia , lookup
Traveler's diarrhea wikipedia , lookup
Common cold wikipedia , lookup
Childhood immunizations in the United States wikipedia , lookup
Infection control wikipedia , lookup
African trypanosomiasis wikipedia , lookup
Rheumatoid arthritis wikipedia , lookup
Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms wikipedia , lookup
Sjögren syndrome wikipedia , lookup
Management of multiple sclerosis wikipedia , lookup
Multiple sclerosis research wikipedia , lookup
Hypothyroidism wikipedia , lookup
Transcript
Do you want to know? Hyperthyroidism What is it? Hyperthyroidism is the excessive secretion of the thyroid hormone, which results in overall increase in most body activities. The causes of hyperthyroidism can be several: • Graves disease: due to the presence of a substance made by the body (immunoglobulin) which stimulates the gland. • Toxic multinodular goiter or nodule: these nodules enlarge and work excessively in thyroid hormone production • Thyroiditis: due to inflammation in the thyroid gland which results in ‘leakage’ of the thyroid hormones into the blood. • Certain medications: iodine, amiodarone, excess thyroid hormone What do you need to know? Population at risk Hyperthyroidism may occur at any age, but is much more frequent in the following cases: • In women of reproductive age group (5 times more than men) • In the presence of an autoimmune disease (disease that results from the body’s immune function such as juvenile diabetes) • After a viral infection • After delivering a baby Symptoms It is associated with nervousness, irritability, palpitation (fast heart rate), tachycardia, tremors, weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, heat intolerance, perspiration, increased appetite, irregular menses, and diarrhea. In addition there may be dryness, burning, bulging and swelling in the eyes. C05 sheet 1/2 Treatment options In general, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be much improved with drugs that slow down the adrenergic system: beta-blockers. In addition, the level of thyroid hormone is lowered in one of three ways: 1 - Antithyroid medication These slow down the thyroid hormone production and need to be taken over several months. They are effective and safe, but after discontinuation, the thyroid disease may recur. Very rarely, these medicines can cause a low white blood cell count, and increase the risk of infection. Therefore when taking these medications, if you get any fever (temperature more than 38.5°C) or sore throat, you need to inform your physician immediately for a blood test. 2 - Radioiodine This form of treatment is usually definitive, but may result in decreased function of the thyroid gland. This treatment cannot be given if you are pregnant or planning on it in the next 6 months. Also, if the eye symptoms are very severe, medicines or surgery are preferred. 3 - Surgery In the presence of effective iodine and medicines, surgery is only needed in special cases. Drugs • Use the prescribed drugs (antithyroid drugs) as advised by your physician. • Do not use decongestants because they are poorly tolerated. • Continue the drug regimen because it may take several weeks to relieve symptoms, until a maintenance dose is established. The content of this educational leaflet is of general information. Ask your physician or health care provider if this content applies to you. Prepared by the Nursing Services in coordination with other health care disciplines. © 2005 American University of Beirut Medical Center Do you want to know? Hyperthyroidism Diet • Follow a high calorie, high protein diet to compensate for the hypermetabolic state. • People with hyperthyroidism may have an excessive appetite. Choose your snacks wisely (for example raw vegetables) if this happens at unusual times (right after a meal or middle of the night). C05 sheet 2/2 INSTRUCTIONS Activity Allow for adequate rest periods to conserve energy. Considerations • Antithyroid drugs can be used if absolutely needed during pregnancy and prescribed by your physician. • Emotional reactions may occur due to the disorder and it will improve with the treatment. • In case you have any eye irritation, dryness and/or excessive tearing, avoid smoky environments and sun light by wearing sun glasses. • Use artificial tears as per doctor’s approval. • Relaxation activities such as meditation, breathing exercises & music therapy are very helpful. • Keep your head elevated during sleep and decrease salt intake to decrease swelling around your eyes • Long term follow up is very important because of the possibility of hypothyroidism (decreased function of the thyroid gland) following any form of the above therapies. The symptoms of low thyroid are the following: extreme fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, menstrual irregularities, and weight gain. The content of this educational leaflet is of general information. Ask your physician or health care provider if this content applies to you. Prepared by the Nursing Services in coordination with other health care disciplines. © 2005 American University of Beirut Medical Center