Introduction, Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Introduction

Thyroid is one of the most important glands in the human body that is just located at the base of the neck at front side. It is nearer to the voice-box and Adam’s apple. Thyroid gland is closely related with body’s metabolism. This is because the thyroid gland secrets the thyroid hormone that play important role in the metabolism of the body. In the case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland works in excess.

Over active thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone in the body that acts reverse and accelerates the metabolism result of which, the body digests faster than what it assimilates and absorbs the nutrients. Excess presence of thyroid hormone in the body is also known as thyrotoxicosis. One of the commonest causes for the condition is Graves’ disease that falls under autoimmune category.

Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Since the thyroid hormone play important role in metabolism, the metabolism is highly affected when the thyroid works more than usual. The metabolism is the process through which, the body gets its nutrition from the food particles. The food cannot be absorbed in the form what we eat. It mixes up with various enzymes and bodily fluids and becomes chyme. The special process called metabolism converts these particles into absorbable form so that body gets nutrition.

When thyroid gland starts overacting, there is drastically acceleration in metabolism and then the food gets digested very rapidly. The body does not get proper nutrition and hence, it becomes lean i.e. person starts losing her or his weight. There are some physical changes such as increase in heart rates and blood pressure. There might be flushed skin that can be easily noticed during physical examination.

Hyperthyroidism, if affected a person with older age, can bring some unique symptoms such as apathy and depression. However, younger patients, if caught by hyperthyroidism, can get some other symptoms such as nervousness and goiter that is the condition featuring enlargement of the thyroid gland that is easily visible even from the distance. The neck becomes swollen and body feels sluggishness. There is lack of interest in everything and the person may become lazy and slow.

When thyroid gland secrets more thyroid hormone in the body, thyrotoxicosis brings many changes in the body and it acts as mild poison. There might be skin changes and congestion and in some of the worse cases, thyroid problem can also cause ‘coma’ state that requires immediate medical emergency and seek immediate treatment. The person might be supplied with oxygen in intensive care unit and the thyroid hormone levels are checked as soon as possible to know the status and to decide the treatment.

Some of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tiredness, irritability, nervousness and unexplained weight loss. The person is less sensitivity to touch especially at terminal ends (like fingertips and toe-tips). There might be disturbed sleep (insomnia), thinning of the skin, brittle hair, lighter menstrual flow, warm skin, increased perspiration, hand tremors and sometimes gastro-intestinal upsets.

Read more about Treatments of Hyperthyroidism

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