Thyrotoxicosis

Thyrotoxicosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Thyrotoxicosis is a condition in which the level of thyroid hormones in the body is significantly elevated. This condition can be caused by various reasons, but the most common is diffuse toxic goiter, which is an autoimmune disease.

Diffuse toxic goiter is manifested by the production of antibodies in the body that stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. This disease is often combined with other autoimmune diseases and most often occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Patients become fussy, their performance increases, but they quickly get tired and cannot do one thing for a long time. They complain of constant thoughts that make it difficult to concentrate, a feeling of heat, increased sweating and hot and clammy skin. In such patients, the hair becomes brittle, thin and falls out easily.

Mood changes are noted, which can quickly change from euphoria to depression, as well as aggressiveness. Patients with thyrotoxicosis have increased appetite, but they lose weight. They complain of increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle weakness and tremors.

One of the most characteristic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis is bulging of the eyes (exophthalmos), swelling around the eyes, bags under the eyes or swelling of the eyelids, as well as the inability to concentrate on an object and double vision.

To diagnose thyrotoxicosis, determination of the level of thyroid hormones in the blood is used. Treatment for thyrotoxicosis may include drug therapy, surgical removal of 80-90% of the thyroid gland, or treatment with radioactive iodine.

Mercazolil, prescribed 30-40 mg per day orally, helps reduce the level of thyroid hormones and reduce heartbeat. Atenolol or propranolol may also be used to reduce heart rate.

In case of significant enlargement of the thyroid gland or relapse of the disease after a course of drug therapy, surgical treatment is indicated - removal of 80-90% of the gland. If surgery is not possible, treatment with radioactive iodine is performed.

In general, thyrotoxicosis is a serious condition that requires diagnosis and timely treatment. If you notice the symptoms described above, consult your doctor for advice and diagnosis. If the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment and monitor your condition during its implementation. It is important to remember that self-medication in this case can lead to serious consequences and worsen the patient’s condition.

Thyrotoxicosis, also known as hyperthyroidism, is a medical condition characterized by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. This condition can occur due to various pathologies that lead to increased activity of the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis can have serious consequences for a person's overall health and requires timely diagnosis and treatment.

Thyroid hormones, produced by the thyroid gland, play an important role in regulating metabolism in the body. They control processes such as growth, development, thermogenesis (the process by which the body produces heat) and energy metabolism. However, excess amounts of thyroid hormones disrupt these processes and can cause a variety of symptoms and complications.

The most common causes of thyrotoxicosis are various diseases of the thyroid gland. One of the most common diseases leading to thyrotoxicosis is Graves-Basedowa disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes it to overfunction. Other causes include an overgrowth or tumor of the thyroid gland and certain medications.

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis can be varied and include the following:

1. Neuropsychiatric symptoms: nervousness, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances, increased irritability, mood changes and depression.

2. Physical symptoms: excessive sweating, warmth, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, weight loss but no appetite, hand tremors, weakness and fatigue.

3. Digestive problems: diarrhea, frequent bowel movements and increased appetite.

To diagnose thyrotoxicosis, your doctor may order a number of laboratory tests, including measuring the level of thyroid hormones in the blood and examining the thyroid gland. Additionally, ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, scintigraphy and biopsy can be performed.

Treatment of thyrotoxicosis is aimed at reducing the activity of the thyroid gland and alleviating symptoms. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, several treatment methods may be used. One of the most common approaches is the use of medications, such as antithyroid drugs, which reduce the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, radioactive iodine may be needed to destroy excess thyroid tissue. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

When treating thyrotoxicosis, it is also important to pay attention to the general health of the patient and eliminate the cause of the development of this condition. Regular consultations with an endocrinologist and following your doctor's recommendations can help control the condition and prevent possible complications.

It is important to note that self-medication of thyrotoxicosis can be dangerous and lead to serious consequences. If you suspect that you have developed thyrotoxicosis, consult your doctor to conduct the necessary tests and receive the correct treatment.

In conclusion, thyrotoxicosis is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This medical condition requires attention and timely treatment to prevent complications and reduce the negative impact on the patient's overall health. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis for professional help and treatment recommendations.

Thyrotoxicosis (Greek thyreo-thyroid plexus + toxicosis, toxanos poison) is a pathological health condition caused by the development of endemic goiter due to increased production of thyroid hormones, accompanied by an acceleration of metabolism according to the feedback principle (decreased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and parathyroid hormone), clinical signs of increased activity of the thyroid gland not only due to increased secretion of thyroid hormones.