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Research Paper On Thyroidism

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What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid, a condition when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine hormone. “Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which may make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose. It can also cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms” (Mayo Clinic, 2015, para. 2) There are several treatment options available if someone has hyperthyroidism. This condition can become serious if ignored and in some cases, life threatening.
There is a list of signs and symptoms including: sudden weight loss, tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations, increased appetite, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, tremors of the hands and fingers, sweating, changes in menstrual patterns, more frequent bowel …show more content…

During an exam, a person’s doctor may try to detect a slight tremor in your fingers when they're extended, overactive reflexes, eye changes and warm, moist skin. Your doctor will also examine your thyroid gland as you swallow to see if it's enlarged, bumpy or tender and check your pulse to see if it's rapid. (Mayo Clinic, 2015). “A diagnosis can be confirmed with blood tests that measure the levels of thyroxine and TSH in your blood. High levels of thyroxine and low or nonexistent amounts of TSH indicate an overactive thyroid. The amount of TSH is important because it's the hormone that signals your thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine. These tests are particularly necessary for older adults, who may not have classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.” (Mayo Clinic, 2015, pg. 2) “Your doctor may also want to obtain a picture of your thyroid (a thyroid scan). The scan will find out if your entire thyroid gland is overactive or whether you have a toxic nodular goiter or thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation). A test that measures the ability of the gland to collect iodine (a thyroid uptake) may be done at the same time.” (ATA, 2018, pg. 1) Hyperthyroidism can be treated by antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, surgery, or beta …show more content…

The hormones regulate your metabolism, including the production of energy, hormones, tissue growth, elimination of waste products, and the distribution of nutrients in the blood. “Hyperthyroidism can affect all of your body functions. It causes the body’s normal rate of functioning to speed up. This can result in physical, behavioral, and emotional changes. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious medical problems. Hyperthyroidism cannot be prevented, but it is generally treatable and rarely fatal.” (Colonial Healthcare, 2018, para. 2). For nursing implication there isn’t anything to be aware of considering it is only known to be caused from hereditary factors. “Thyroid storm is most commonly associated with underlying Graves' disease, although has been reported with autonomous thyroid nodular disease.” (Carroll, 2014, para. 1) “The interference of thyroid hormones in this system and in cardiovascular events has been studied in recent years. However, the mechanisms involved in vascular, purinergic, and oxidative changes in thyroid disorders are not completely understood.” (Jucimara Baldissarelli, 2018, p.

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