What is thyrotoxicosis?
Thyrotoxicosis is the condition that occurs when the thyroid gland emits excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, leading to elevated levels in the bloodstream. The syndrome is often related to hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland excessively produces hormones. This can also be caused by certain diseases or conditions that stimulate the thyroid gland to release extra stored hormones. Two hormones involved are free thyroxine and triodothyronine. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to generate excessive hormones. It is characterized by an enlargement of the thyroid, also referred to as Goiter. There are different causes, including infection and autoimmune diseases. Sometimes women experience postpartum thyroiditis, leading to hypertuhyroidism during the first year after delivery, although it is usually only for a limited time. Benign tumors or thyroid adenomas and multinodular goiters can become toxic and cause excess hormones. Factors can also contribute drugsand radiation treatment.
symptoms of thyrotoxicosis usually include sweating, tremor and increased heart rate. Patients can also experience anxiety and hypersensitivity to heat. Some suffers may feel starver than usual, but also lose weight. In the case of Graves' disease, other symptoms may include goiter and eye bulging.
The first step to diagnosis is usually physical examination. If the patient's symptoms and physical condition indicate thyrotoxicosis, the doctor is likely to order a blood test. Low levels of it stimulating thyroid gland and high levels of thyroxine or triodothyronine confirm the diagnosis.
There are several treatment options. Medicines that inhibit thyroid hormones called thyrostatics. Beta blockers can also be used, although they only treat symptoms of tyrotoxicosis, not causes. Sometimes surgery is recommended to remove themwhich or all thyroid glands. Radioactive iodine can also be used to kill overproductive cells in the thyroid gland.
If thyrotoxicosis is untreated, it can lead to thyroid storm or tyrotoxic crisis. This is a very dangerous condition that occurs when hormone levels in the blood reach extremely high levels. Patients have high blood pressure, accelerated heart rhythm and high fever. Storm thyroid should be treated immediately because it can lead to death.