Thyroid Disease (cont.)
What types of thyroid disease can occur
when the function of the thyroid is affected??
If the thyroid itself is under-active, or if the regulators of the thyroid
gland are not functioning properly, hypothyroidism can result. There are many causes
of hypothyroidism such as the following:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune
thyroiditis)
- Postpartum thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid
gland after pregnancy)
- Acute thyroiditis
- Silent thyroiditis
- Thyroid hormone resistance
- Medications that affect thyroid function [such as
amiodarone (Cordarone)]
If the thyroid is overactive, or if the regulators of the thyroid gland are
pushing the thyroid to produce too much hormone, hyperthyroidism can result.
Some of the causes of hyperthyroidism are listed below:
What signs and symptoms can occur if thyroid function is affected?
If the thyroid is under-active, symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur. The
signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of
hormone deficiency. Some of the complaints experienced by patient's with
hypothyroidism include:
Hyperthyroidism is suggested by a number of signs and symptoms. Patients with
mild disease usually experience no symptoms. In patients older than 70 years of
age,
the classical manifestations may also be absent. In general, the symptoms become
more obvious as the condition worsens. The symptoms are usually related to an
increase in body metabolism. Common symptoms are listed below:
- Excessive sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Increased bowel movements
- Tremor (usually a fine shake)
- Nervousness; agitation
- Rapid heart rate
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Decreased concentration
- Irregular and scant menstrual flow
In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart
failure can occur. In
its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in "thyroid storm," a
condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental
changes such as confusion and delirium may also occur. In Graves' disease, there
may be eye changes and skin changes in addition to the other findings listed
above.
Next: What types of thyroid disease can occur when the
structure of the thyroid is affected? »
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