What is Hyperthyroidism?

  • Related Videos
  • Related Articles
  • Related Q&A

Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The oversecretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's metabolism.

About the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland. This means that it secretes hormones into your bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals produced by the body to help regulate how your cells and organs work. They are sometimes called chemical messengers.

Your thyroid gland is located in the neck in front of your windpipe. It is about 2cm wide and 4cm high
.
There are several types of hyperthyroidism, each associated with a different particular cause.

The most common type is Graves' disease (also called diffuse toxic goiter), which is possibly a genetically linked disease, caused by antibodies in the blood which stimulate the thyroid to grow and produce excess hormone.
Other causes of hyperthyroidism include toxic multinodular goiter, in which individual thyroid nodule(s) are responsible for excess
thyroid hormone production.

Graves' disease

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. An abnormality of the immune system is the cause. The immune system is a collection of special cells and chemicals that fight infection from foreign agents, such as bacteria and viruses.

A key element of the immune system is the antibody, which is a type of tailor-made 'poison' produced by lymphocytes (white blood cells) to kill a particular foreign agent. In a person with Graves' disease, the immune system manufactures antibodies which behave like TSH and stimulate the thyroid uncontrollably

Symptoms
You may have hyperthyroidism if you:
·    Feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired.
·    Have hand tremors, or have a fast or irregular heartbeat, or have trouble breathing even when you are resting.
·    Sweat a lot, and have warm, red skin that may be itchy.
·    Have frequent and sometimes loose bowel movements.
·    I am losing weight but my appetite has increased
·    I feel like I have a lot of nervous energy that I need to burn off
·     I am having diarrhea or loose or more frequent bowel movements
·     I feel nervous or irritable
·     My skin looks or feels thinner

Expected Duration
In people with hyperthyroidism caused by certain types of thyroid inflammation or viral thyroid infections, levels of thyroid hormones usually return to normal after several months. Most people with Graves' disease require long-term treatment, although the condition occasionally goes away on its own.

Diagnosis
Physicians will look for physical signs and symptoms indicated by patient history. On inspection, the physician may note symptoms
such as a goiter or eye-bulging. Other symptoms or family history may be clues to a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. An elevated basal (lowest range of normal) body temperature above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees centigrade) may be an indication of a heightened basal metabolic rate (which measures the energy used to maintain vitality) and hyperthyroidism.

Prognosis and Treatment
Treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on the cause. In most cases, the problem causing hyperthyroidism can be cured, or the symptoms can be eliminated or greatly reduced. If left untreated, however, hyperthyroidism places undue stress on the heart and many other organs.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-is-hyperthyroidism-439156.html
Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Diseases and Conditions Articles
  • More from james sameul

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the Symptoms

By: Lorna Darden | 07/01/2009
Lupus is a disorder of the immune system. It can affect people between the ages of 15-45 years of age. Lupus can develop later on in life as well. Lupus which is known as autoimmune disease turns your immune system against the body parts that it is designed to protect.

Baby Colic Formula and Its Effect

By: Abhinav Sidana | 07/01/2009
Baby colic formula is usually advised by some pediatricians for colicky babies.

How to Cure Colic in Babies

By: Abhinav Sidana | 07/01/2009
For mothers to cure colic in their babies, they need to know first the signs of colic. Definitive signs that would indicate colic in babies are bloated stomachs due to accumulation of gas.

The Perils of Pediculosis - How to Treat Head Lice Effectively

By: Brian Welsch | 07/01/2009
Pediculosis, more commonly known as head lice, is one of the most common hair disorders affecting school-aged children – and one of the most infuriating for parents to deal with.

Colic Remedies for Babies

By: Abhinav Sidana | 07/01/2009
Since colic in babies is considered as normal, mothers are well advised to know about colic remedies that they can apply in case their babies would have its attack.

Remedies Nerve Pain Relief

By: Bella Mclaine | 07/01/2009
Back pain can turn your pain into a chronic pain or acute pain which can put you into a serious health dilemma. Sometime it becomes difficult to detect the pain of your back. You can face back pain problems like lower back pain, upper back pain, spine back pain, chronic back pain or acute back pain.

Motion Sickness – Motion Sickness Preventions Cures and Treatment

By: Emeka Ezidiegwu | 06/01/2009
Around 33% of people experience some degree of motion sickness, while over 60% of people suffer in more extreme conditions. And even experienced travelers are not totally immune – about half of the astronauts in the US space program have suffered from space sickness. Women are more susceptible than men, especially if they are menstruating or pregnant.

Sexual Health - Sexual Health Questions and Concerns for Male and Female

By: Emeka Ezidiegwu | 06/01/2009
It can seriously be argued that Men’s sexual health begins at puberty. Women on the other hand, do experience wide and broad ranges of emotions coupled with psychological and physical issues far worse than men. Though men and women experience sexuality differently; it’s imperative however, that young men and woman are made aware of the risks they face and what they need to do cope.

Hives -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques.

Hiccups -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Treating any underlying disorder will usually cure the associated hiccups. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) relieves intractable hiccups in 80% of cases. Metoclopramide (Reglan), carbamazepam, valproic acid (Depakene), and phenobarbital are also used.

Hernia -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Upper endoscopy is more accurate than a barium swallow radiograph and may be performed in a hospital or a doctor’s office. The doctor may spray your throat to numb it and then, after lightly sedating you, will slide a thin, flexible plastic tube with a light and lens on the end called an endoscope down your throat.

Graves Disease -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Tremors (fine trembling of the hands and fingers) Changes in menstrual patterns (usually lighter flow, less frequent periods) The thyroid gland grows larger (goiter) as it produces more and more hormone. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Fibromyalgia -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a human disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tactile allodynia.[1] While the criteria for such an entity have not yet been thoroughly developed, the recognition that fibromyalgia involves more than just pain has led to the frequent use of the term "fibromyalgia syndrome".

Epilepsy -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures.[1][2] These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal,

Enlarged Prostate -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Treatment for an enlarged prostate is determined by your signs and symptoms and their severity. If you have significant problems, such as urinary bleeding, persistent urinary tract infections,

Endometriosis -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

By: james sameul | 16/06/2008 | Women's Health
The term endometriosis refers to a benign and common disease in which cells like the ones that line the inside of the womb are established outside the womb e.g. on the ligament supporting the uterus. in the ovaries, tubes, pelvis, bowels, bladder, etc. In patients with endometriosis,

Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.43, 13)