Doodlebrary

Doodlebrary

• Definition:

• Autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland.
• Causes overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).

• Symptoms:

• Weight loss despite increased appetite.
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
• Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability.
• Tremors, especially in the hands.
• Heat sensitivity and excessive sweating.
• Increased bowel movements.
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
• Exophthalmos (bulging eyes).
• Fatigue or muscle weakness.
• Menstrual irregularities in women.

• Causes:

• Autoimmune response, where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
• Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) leads to overactive thyroid.
• Trigger factors: genetics, infections, stress, and environmental elements.

• Risk Factors:

• More common in women.
• Often diagnosed between ages 30–50.
• Family history of autoimmune diseases.
• Other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Smoking, which can increase eye-related complications.

• Complications:

• Thyroid storm: life-threatening condition with fever, rapid heart rate, and delirium.
• Heart issues: arrhythmias or heart failure.
• Osteoporosis: due to long-term excess thyroid hormone.
• Graves’ ophthalmopathy: bulging eyes, vision problems, or pain.
• Graves’ dermopathy: rare skin condition, causing thickened, red skin.

• Diagnosis:

• Blood tests to check levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and TSH.
• Antibody tests to detect thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins.
• Radioactive iodine uptake test to measure how much iodine the thyroid absorbs.
• Thyroid ultrasound to assess thyroid size and structure.

• Treatment:

• Antithyroid medications: Methimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU) to reduce hormone production.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: Destroys part of the thyroid to limit hormone production.
• Beta-blockers: Manage symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremors.
• Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the thyroid in severe or unresponsive cases.
• Eye treatments: Corticosteroids or surgery for Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

• Management:

• Lifelong monitoring and treatment adjustments are often needed.
• With proper treatment, most individuals can manage symptoms and lead a normal life.