Hyperthyroidism is a dangerous disease of the thyroid gland, which manifests itself in its excessive function, that is, is caused by increased production of hormones. It provokes an acceleration of metabolic processes in the body. The risk group consists mainly of women aged 30-50 years, as they have a closer relationship between the nervous and endocrine systems of the body. Hyperthyroidism according to ICD 10 has the code E 05.0. A special influence on the onset of the disease is exerted by negative emotions, constant feelings, stress, and psychological trauma.
Classification of violation
Hyperthyroidism disease is divided into several forms:
- subclinical;
- manifest;
- complicated.
The subclinical form is characterized by an increased concentration of hormones in the blood. It is quite difficult to determine such a disease, since it has no clinical manifestations. Basically, a similar pathology is detected during laboratory tests. Often there is subclinical hyperthyroidism in older women who have long suffered from multinodal goiter. Sometimes this form is found in people who have been treated with thyrotoxicosis. At the same time, there are no signs, but changes in the hormonal background persist. Against the background of the course of the disease, a violation of the heart muscle and nervous system is observed. In addition, liver pathologies may occur, which can be eliminated with proper treatment.
The autoimmune type of disorder is inflammation of the thyroid gland. It occurs as a result of violations in the work of immunity, which often happens against the background of oncology. Thyrotoxicosis is a condition provoked by a constant increase in the level of thyroid hormones. A similar condition can occur during pregnancy.
Drug hyperthyroidism occurs as a result of taking hormones that stimulate the thyroid gland. In addition, doctors distinguish several stages of hyperthyroidism, each of which has its own specific clinical manifestations and a particular course.
Causes of occurrence
There are various causes of hyperthyroidism, but often the disease occurs against the background of other thyroid diseases. Among the most common factors are the following:
- diffuse toxic goiter;
- viral and inflammatory lesions of the thyroid gland;
- uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs.
The causes of hyperthyroidism include the presence of nodular goiter. Local thyroid seals affect the increase in its activity and the production of hormones. The disease can also occur due to the presence of various neoplasms, as well as toxic adenomas. Women who have cases of thyroid disease in the family are at risk.
The main symptoms
With hyperthyroidism, the symptoms largely depend on how long the disease lasts and which organs it struck. The most striking sign is the acceleration of metabolic processes and weight loss with normal appetite. All this is accompanied by:
- violation of the intestines and stomach;
- frequent diarrhea;
- enlarged liver.
Be sure to carry out treatment if the symptoms of hyperthyroidism become more pronounced and affect the cardiovascular system. At the same time, signs associated with a violation of the nervous system and psyche may be additionally observed. In particular, they include:
- anxiety;
- excessive overexcitation;
- irritability;
- tendency to panic;
- fatigue.
Sometimes, against the background of this, diabetes can develop, heat transfer is disrupted, and complete intolerance to heat develops. Against the background of the course of the disease, the skin becomes drier, hair and nails become thin and brittle, shortness of breath appears. Muscle atrophy can be observed, bones become fragile, weakness and aches occur throughout the body, and the patient quickly gets tired. Women may experience menstruation problems, infertility. Men suffer from problems with potency. Visual impairment, headache, fainting, swelling of the legs may also occur.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is established based on the patient’s history and complaints. In addition, a number of laboratory tests may be required, such as:
- determination of the level of hormones;
- counting the number of antibodies;
- radioactive scanning of the gland;
- tomography.
Based on this, you can make the correct diagnosis and choose the most appropriate comprehensive treatment that will help get rid of the existing symptoms.
Treatment features
The treatment of hyperthyroidism implies the use of several different tools and techniques, among which are the following:
- conservative;
- surgical;
- radioiodine therapy.
Depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease, the age of the patient, intolerance to drugs, as well as the presence of other diseases, therapy tactics are selected. With the help of conservative treatment, inhibition of hormone production can be achieved. In addition, symptomatic therapy associated with damage to other organs is additionally required.
Drug treatment
For the treatment of hyperthyroidism, various medications are used. They are mainly used for mild illness. In advanced and very complex cases, medications are prescribed to prepare the body for surgery.
With the help of drugs, you can reduce the activity of the thyroid gland and the amount of hormones produced. Endocrinologists often prescribe antithyroid drugs that help to reduce the production of thyroid hormones. These drugs include Tyrosol, Methylthiouracil, Timazol.
It is necessary to take medicines until the functioning of the thyroid gland becomes normal. A blood test is performed regularly to determine hormone levels. If there are no complications, then after applying a high dosage of drugs aimed at normalizing the functioning of the thyroid gland, an improvement in well-being is observed after 4-5 weeks.
Treatment should continue for approximately 1 year. After this, many patients report a state of remission. To prolong this condition for a long time, Levothyroxine is prescribed together with antithyroid drugs. In some patients, side effects may occur: platelet and white blood cell counts decrease, and an allergy also occurs.
To eliminate the severe manifestations of the disease, you may need to take the drug "Carbimazole". This is a long-acting medicine, therefore it is often used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. In addition, it stimulates the conversion of hormones, which is why it positively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland.
The use of radioactive iodine
Hyperthyroidism is treated with radioactive iodine. Patients take it once a day in the form of a special solution or capsule. When it enters the bloodstream, it immediately penetrates the cells of the thyroid gland, persists there and destroys excess hormones. Radioactive iodine is prescribed together with the main medications that help eliminate the problem. One of the advantages of such therapy is the ability to achieve stable remission.
Radioactive iodine treatment is based on its destructive effect on thyroid cells. The medicine most effectively affects the most active thyroid cells. The effect of therapy lasts up to 4 weeks. As a result of its use, it is possible to reduce the size of this organ and normalize the production of hormones. It is worth noting that, despite the high effectiveness of the use of this tool, a full recovery can be achieved only in exceptional cases. Often there is a need for additional courses of therapy.
Oriental medicine
In the East, it is believed that hyperthyroidism occurs as a result of an improper lifestyle. The pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism is largely associated with malnutrition, stress, frequent exposure to cold, a sedentary lifestyle. Eastern medicine offers therapy without the use of medications.
Initially, the doctor determines the cause of the pathological condition, determines the characteristics of the patient's body, its temperament and character. Based on the information received, the required herbal preparations and procedures are selected. Herbal medicine is based on the use of decoctions and infusions of herbs. The purpose of the use of such funds is to restore the metabolic processes of the body, reduce inflammation, as well as purify the blood. With the help of herbal medicine, an excess of mucus that forms in the tissues can be removed from the body.
Thanks to the stimulation of individual points located on the patient’s body, the functioning of the thyroid gland can be normalized. A similar treatment technique was used in the East many thousands of years ago and contributed to the treatment of many diseases. It not only positively affects the functioning of this organ, but also normalizes the functioning of the nervous system. Among the main medical procedures, we can distinguish the following:
- warming with stones;
- trituration;
- oriental massage;
- acupuncture;
- hirudotherapy;
- diet therapy.
Thanks to the complex of all these procedures, it is possible to restore the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and many other body systems.
Surgery
Surgical treatment of the thyroid gland is prescribed for:
- the presence of large goiter;
- relapse after conservative therapy;
- individual intolerance to certain drugs.
The choice of surgical treatment largely depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease. During the operation, part of this organ can be removed or in full. After this, there may be a lack of thyroid hormones in the body, which is why hormone replacement therapy is required.
Dieting
It must be understood that it is impossible to use with hyperthyroidism in order to prevent the occurrence of a relapse of the disease. Nutrition is very important, so you should eat in small portions. You need to try not to skip a meal, as this will only increase fatigue and weakness.
Vitamins for hyperthyroidism are required, and it is also necessary to ensure the body's need for energy, so the food consumed should be high-calorie, especially in the case of severe weight loss. Necessarily in the usual diet should be present fruits and vegetables. Additionally, multivitamin complexes are required. This is important not only to make up for the deficiencies of vitamins, but also to prevent the occurrence of disorders from the heart muscle, liver, and skeletal system, which may be the result of an excess of hormones.
The body is in great need of minerals. You need to get enough calcium with food to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Be sure to constantly monitor an endocrinologist who can adjust the diet and choose the right treatment to prevent the risk of complications.
Forecast and consequences
In mild cases, when conducting the right substitution therapy, the prognosis in adults is mostly positive for life and performance. In the presence of complications, the prognosis is largely determined by the nature and severity of the consequences. The prognosis largely depends on the timeliness of treatment, if the therapy was carried out late, then a serious mental disorder can be observed.
With the occurrence of hypothyroid coma, the prognosis is often unfavorable. Among the main causes of death of a patient is mainly cardiovascular and respiratory failure. Efficiency largely depends on the severity of the course of the disease. With a mild form of hyperthyroidism, patients can perform absolutely any job that requires minimal physical and mental stress.
Patients with a severe course of the disease are disabled. Hyperthyroidism can lead to metabolic disorders, which can cause a malfunction in almost all organs and systems, since thyroid hormones are required for absolutely all cells, organs and tissues. Very often, it can disguise itself as other diseases.
Possible complications
Each patient must understand what the danger of hyperthyroidism is, and what complications can be with improper or untimely treatment. The main complications include heart disease or thyrotoxic crisis. They appear very acutely against the background of elevated levels of hormones, atrial fibrillation, progression of the course of chronic diseases, as well as high blood pressure.
Excessive physical exertion, severe stress, acute infectious diseases contribute to the development of the crisis. Symptoms of the crisis gradually increase, since at the initial stage there is a fever and confusion, gradually this leads to a coma and death of the patient. The dangerous effects of hyperthyroidism are characteristic mainly for women.
This disease can negatively affect the course of metabolic processes, provoking a disruption in the functioning of various organs and systems, since all tissues and cell organisms are dependent on thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can provoke various disorders, ranging from chronic fatigue to infertility.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of hyperthyroidism is quite simple. It is important to systematically undergo examination, temper the body, avoid exposure to sunlight, and also eat right. If the patient is at risk for endocrine diseases, it is necessary to conduct a dynamic examination of this organ using ultrasound, as well as take tests to determine the level of hormones.
Doctors recommend paying attention to the work of immunity, as frequent colds and various infections provoke the occurrence of pathological autoimmune processes. Timely and high-quality correction of hyperthyroidism gives a rather favorable prognosis for recovery and helps to reduce the incidence of relapses. It is imperative to ensure proper nutrition by consuming foods with sufficient iodine content. In addition, it is important to play sports and be tempered.
Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism during gestation may be transient. This is due to the physiological characteristics of the course of pregnancy and passes no later than the 16th week. Among the main signs of this condition, one can note the following:
- changeable mood;
- a slight increase in temperature;
- heat intolerance;
- slight weight loss;
- palpitations.
All these signs are very difficult to distinguish from the usual course of pregnancy. That is why, if a woman loses weight in the first weeks of pregnancy, she is usually prescribed a blood test for thyroid hormones. Special treatment is not required, but at the same time, a woman should be constantly monitored so as not to miss the signs of toxic goiter.