The Disease
The disease selected for creating the community health promotion resource is Hyperthyroidism. It is a condition where the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones in an excessive amount in the body that increases metabolism along with the risk of several other health issues including tremors, loose stools, increased appetite, weight loss, or heart palpitations. The overproduction of thyroid hormones in this illness occurs in a small gland located at the front of the neck which is responsible for producing T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) hormones. These hormones regulate metabolic activity in the body and control how each cell should use energy in the body. When the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck overproduces T3, T4, or both hormones, the release of overproduced hormones speeds up body systems leading to body distress (Reid and Wheeler, 2005).
Causes of the Disease
Many of the factors contribute to the causes of the disease, Hyperthyroid. Graves’ disease is one of the common causes that contribute to Hyperthyroidism as Graves’ disorder leads to an autoimmune dysfunction when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland in the neck with antibodies. Aside from Grave’s disorder, benign thyroid nodules that for no known reason develop on the thyroid gland which results in producing and releasing too many thyroid hormones in the body. Moreover, high amounts of Thyroxine (T4 hormone) resulting from the consumption of thyroid hormone medication such as “Levothyroxine” or certain dietary supplements also lead to hyperthyroidism in a person.
Four Main Symptoms
The most important and main signs and symptoms of the disease, Hyperthyroidism, include bone loss, heart disease, weight loss, and enlargement of the thyroid. These main symptoms lead to palpitations, tremors, anxiety, weight loss, and heat intolerance.
Possible Symptoms
Most often, “Hyperthyroidism” is mistaken for distress and anxiety because some of its symptoms may be hard to notice and some are physically obvious at first stage. Some of the subtle signs and symptoms of the disease include muscle weakness, irritable feelings, frequent bowel movements, trouble sleeping, irregular or rapid heartbeat, and weight loss but with an increased appetite.
Treatments
Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications such as Propylthiouracil and Methimazole from the class called thionamides. These drugs are considered safe for people including children and pregnant women. Moreover, radioactive iodine usually taken as a liquid or oral tablet is also used to treat hyperthyroidism (Reid and Wheeler, 2005).
References
Reid, J. R., & Wheeler, S. F. (2005). Hyperthyroidism: diagnosis and treatment. American family physician, 72(4), 623-630.
Cite This Work
To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below:
