Hi Friends, as u all know that I am a Doctor. I am qualified Practitioner of Homoeopathy. If you or anyone of your family, have some health problems and want Homeopathic treatment then you can tell me. I’ll be there for your help.
I will try to post here some information about the diseases or other problems, for your knowledge. I hope you will be like it.
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Chicken Pox Also known as: Varicella
What is it? Chicken pox, also called varicella, is an extremely infectious disease that produces an itchy, blistery rash that lasts about a week. A single attack of chicken pox usually provides lifelong immunity against the disease.
Who gets it? Before the development of the chicken pox vaccine, approximately four million children in the United States contracted the disease each year. Chicken pox can strike at any age, but about 80 to 90 percent of children in the U.S. have had it by age ten. Adults account for less than five percent of all cases, because almost every case of chicken pox provides lifelong immunity to the disease. Adults are much more likely than children to suffer dangerous complications and account for more than half of all chicken pox deaths.
What causes it? Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes virus family. The disease is spread through the air or by direct contact with an infected person.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms of chicken pox include a mild fever and a feeling of unwellness. Within several hours or days, small red spots begin to appear on the scalp, neck and upper half of the body. After 12 to 24 hours, the spots become itch, fluid-filled bumps which continue to appear for the next two to five days. In some cases, the spots may also be found inside the mouth, nose, ears, vagina, or rectum. After the blisters form, scabs develop and fall off. Scarring usually does not occur unless the blisters have been scratched and become infected. Occasionally a minor and temporary darkening of the skin (called hyperpigmentation) develops around some of the blisters.
For most people, chicken pox is no more than a few days of discomfort. However, some people are at risk for developing complications such as bacterial infections of the blisters, pneumonia, dehydration, encephalitis and hepatitis. The risk of complications is much higher among infants less than one year of age and adults.
How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis is usually made at home or by a doctor over the phone. However, a doctor should be immediately contacted if fever is very high, takes more than four days to disappear, or if the blisters become infected (yellow pus, spreading redness, red streaks). In addition, a doctor should be contacted if the infected person seems nervous or confused, complains of a stiff neck or severe headache, has poor balance or trouble walking, is sensitive to light, is having breathing problems or is coughing a lot, is complaining of chest pain, is vomiting repeatedly, or is having convulsions.
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Self-care tips Chicken pox usually runs its course within a week without causing lasting harm. In about 20 percent of the population, usually people 50 and over, the virus never leaves the body and lies dormant in the nerve cells where it can be reactivated years later. The result is shingles (also called herpes zoster), a very painful nerve inflammation, accompanied by a rash, that usually affects the trunk or the face for ten days or more.
A vaccine for chicken pox, called Varivax, is now available and is about 85 percent effective for preventing all cases of chicken pox. The vaccine is now given to all children (with the exception of certain high-risk groups) at 12-18 months of age, preferably when they receive their measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Vaccination is also recommended for any older child or adult considered susceptible to the disease. A single dose of the vaccine is sufficient for children up to age 12; older children and adults receive a second dose four to eight weeks later. The risks of the vaccine are extremely small, but those interested in getting the vaccine should check with their doctor about potential side affects.
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When the color of baby's skin appears yellow, we say the baby is jaundiced. Jaundice in newborns is common and in the majority of instances, the condition is harmless and temporary. The yellow color on the baby's skin is caused by an excess amount of bilirubin; a substance produced by the natural breakdown of red blood cells. In a baby, the liver, which processes bilirubin and excretes it from the body, is not as mature as it is in an adult, so it takes a little longer for a baby to get rid of its bilirubin.
Jaundice usually appears around the second or third day of life. It begins at the head and progresses downward. This is something you can watch for at home. If your baby appears Jaundiced while you are still in the hospital, a blood test may be taken to determine the amount of bilirubin present. In most cases, bilirubin causes no problem and by 5 to 7 days of age, the baby will take care of all the excess bilirubin on its own. In other cases, where the baby is slower to rid the body of the excess bilirubin, the baby will receive treatment (ultraviolet light) to speed the removal process. If, when you get home, you notice that your baby's head and chest are yellow (the whites of the eyes get yellow too), phone your baby's doctor and he will have you bring your baby in to be tested. If the amount of bilirubin is high, your baby may be readmitted to the hospital for treatment.
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Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, is the yellow staining of the skin and sclerae (the whites of the eyes) by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment, bilirubin. The yellowing extends to other tissues and body fluids and also may turn the urine dark. Yellowing of only the skin also can be caused by eating too many carrots or drinking too much carrot juice.
The bile pigment, bilirubin, comes from red blood cells. When old red blood cells are destroyed by the body (a normal process), the oxygen-carrying molecule within the cells, hemoglobin, is released into the blood. The hemoglobin is rapidly converted to bilirubin in the blood. The bilirubin is removed from the blood by the liver, modified, and excreted into the bile. The bile flows into the intestine so that the bilirubin is eliminated in the stool. (It is bilirubin that gives stool its brown color.) Jaundice can occur whenever this normal process of destruction of red blood cells and elimination of bilirubin is interrupted. This occurs when there is abnormally increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), liver disease that reduces the ability of the liver to remove and modify bilirubin, or obstruction to the flow of bile into the intestine.
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Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) Symptoms Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) symptoms may include: Extremely high body temperature (106°F or higher), hot, red, dry skin, absence of sweating, rapid pulse, convulsions, and unconsciousness.
Caution Heat stroke or sun stroke is a life-threatening emergency.
Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) Treatment Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) treatment includes: If your loved one has symptoms of a heat stroke, you must take action quickly.
Get professional medical help immediately. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services phone number. Lower body temperature quickly by placing your loved one in partially filled tub of cool, not cold, water (avoid over-cooling). Briskly sponge your loved one’s body until his or her body temperature is reduced; then towel your loved one dry. If a bath tub is not available, wrap your loved one in cold, wet sheets in a well-ventilated room or use fans and air conditioners until his or her body temperature is reduced. DO NOT give your loved one stimulating beverages, such as coffee, tea, or soda.
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Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Recognizing Heat Stroke Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:
an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally) red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) rapid, strong pulse throbbing headache dizziness nausea confusion unconsciousness What to Do If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim:
Get the victim to a shady area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place in a cool shower; spray with cool water from a garden hose; sponge with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. Do not give the victim alcohol to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible. Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.
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What is a depressive disorder?
Depressive disorders have been with man since the beginning of recorded history. In the Bible, King David, as well as Job, suffered from this affliction. Hippocrates referred to depression as melancholia, which literally means black bile. Black bile, along with blood, phlegm, and yellow bile were the four humors (fluids) that accounted for the basic medical physiology of that time. Depression has been portrayed in literature and the arts for hundreds of years, but what do we mean today when we refer to a depressive disorder? In the 19th century, depression was seen as an inherited weakness of temperament. In the first half of the 20th century, Freud linked the development (pathogenesis) of depression to guilt and conflict. John Cheever, the author and a modern sufferer of depressive disorder, wrote of conflict and experiences with his parents as influencing his development of depression.
In the 1950s and 60s, depression was divided into two types, endogenous and neurotic. Endogenous means that the depression comes from within the body, perhaps of genetic origin, or comes out of nowhere. Neurotic or reactive depression has a clear environmental precipitating factor, such as the death of a spouse, or other significant loss, such as the loss of a job. In the 1970s and 80s, the focus of attention shifted from the cause of depression to its effects on the afflicted people. That is to say, whatever the cause in a particular case, what are the symptoms and impaired functions that experts can agree make up a depressive disorder? Although there is some argument even today (as in all branches of medicines), most experts agree that:
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A depressive disorder is a syndrome (group of symptoms) that reflects a sad mood exceeding normal sadness or grief. More specifically, the sadness of depression is characterized by a greater intensity and duration and by more severe symptoms and functional disabilities than is normal.
Depression symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviors, but also by specific changes in bodily functions (for example, irregular eating, sleeping, crying spells, and decreased libido). The functional changes of clinical depression are often called neurovegetative signs. This means that the nervous system changes in the brain cause many physical that result in diminished activity and participation.
Certain people with depressive disorder, especially bipolar depression (manic depression), seem to have an inherited vulnerability to this condition.
Depressive disorders are a huge public health problem. Depression costs the United States huge amounts of direct costs, which are the treatment costs, and indirect costs, such as lost productivity and absenteeism. In a major medical study, depression caused significant problems in the functioning of those affected more often than did arthritis, hypertension, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, and in two categories of problems, as often as coronary artery disease. Depression can increase the risks for developing coronary artery disease, HIV, asthma, and some other medical illnesses. Furthermore, it can increase the morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) from these conditions. Depression is usually first identified in a primary-care setting, not in a mental health practitioner's office. Moreover, it often assumes various disguises, which causes depression to be frequently under-diagnosed.
In spite of clear research evidence and clinical guidelines regarding therapy, depression is often under-treated. Hopefully, this situation can change for the better.
For full recovery from a mood disorder, regardless of whether there is a precipitating factor or it seems to come out of the blue, treatments with medications and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
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What are the types of depression and their symptoms?
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as do other illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes. Three of the most common types of depressive disorders are discussed below. However, remember that within each of these types, there are variations in the number, severity, and persistence of symptoms.
Major Depression
Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including sad mood (see symptom list), that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression. It involves long-term (chronic) symptoms that do not disable, but yet prevent the affected person from functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. Sometimes, people with dysthymia also experience episodes of major depression. This combination of the two types of depression is referred to as double-depression.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, which was formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. This condition shows a particular pattern of inheritance. Not nearly as common as the other types of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania, or elation. Bipolar disorder is often a chronic, recurring condition. Sometimes, the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual.
When in the depressed cycle, the person can experience any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, any or all of the symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, unwise business or financial decisions may be made when an individual is in a manic phase.
A significant variant of bipolar disorder is designated as bipolar II. (The usual form of bipolar disorder is referred to as bipolar I.) Bipolar II is a syndrome in which the affected person has repeated depressive episodes punctuated by what is called hypomania (mini-highs). These euphoric states in bipolar II do not fully meet the criteria for the complete manic episodes that occur in bipolar I.
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Symptoms of depression and mania
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms and some many symptoms. The severity of symptoms also varies with individuals.
Depression symptoms of manic depression
Persistently sad, anxious, or "empty" mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping Decreased appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain Fatigue, decreased energy, being "slowed down" Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts Restlessness, irritability Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain Mania symptoms of manic depression
Inappropriate elation Inappropriate irritability Severe insomnia Grandiose notions Increased talking speed and/or volume Disconnected and racing thoughts Increased sexual desire Markedly increased energy Poor judgment Inappropriate social behavior
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What are gallstones?
Gallstones are stones that form in the gall (bile). Bile is a watery liquid made by the cells of the liver that is important for digesting food in the intestine, particularly fat. Liver cells secrete the bile they make into small canals within the liver. The bile flows through the canals and into larger collecting ducts within the liver (the intrahepatic bile ducts). The bile then flows within the intrahepatic bile ducts out of the liver and into the extrahepatic bile ducts-first into the hepatic bile ducts, then into the common hepatic duct, and finally into the common bile duct. From the common bile duct, there are two different directions that bile can flow. The first direction is on down the common bile duct and into the intestine where the bile mixes with food and promotes digestion of food. The second direction is into the cystic duct, and from there into the gallbladder (often misspelled as gall bladder). Once in the gallbladder, bile is concentrated by the removal (absorption) of water. During a meal, the muscle that makes up the wall of the gallbladder contracts and squeezes the concentrated bile in the gallbladder back through the cystic duct into the common duct and then into the intestine. (Concentrated bile is much more effective for digestion than the un-concentrated bile that goes from the liver straight into the intestine.) The timing of gallbladder contraction-during a meal-allows the concentrated bile from the gallbladder to mix with food.
Gallstones usually form in the gallbladder; however, they also may form anywhere there is bile--in the intrahepatic, hepatic, common bile, and cystic ducts. Gallstones also may move about within bile, for example, from the gallbladder into the cystic or common duct.
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What causes gallstones?
Gallstones are common--they occur in approximately 20% of women in the US, Canada and Europe--but there is a large variation in prevalence among ethnic groups. For example, gallstones occur 1 ½ to 2 times more commonly among Scandinavians and Mexican-Americans. Among American Indians, gallstone prevalence reaches more than 80%. These differences probably are accounted for by genetic (hereditary) factors. First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) of individuals with gallstones are 1 ½ times more likely to have gallstones than if they did not have a first-degree relative with gallstones. Further support that genetic factors are important in determining who gets gallstones comes from twin studies. Among non-identical pairs of twins (who share 50% of their genes with each other), both individuals in a pair have gallstones 8% of the time. Among identical pairs of twins (who share 100% of their genes with each other), both individuals in a pair have gallstones 23% of the time.
There are several types of gallstones and each type has a different cause.
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Who is at risk for gallstones?
Risk for cholesterol gallstones. There is no relationship between cholesterol in the blood and cholesterol gallstones. Individuals with elevated blood cholesterol do not have an increased prevalence of cholesterol gallstones. A common misconception is that diet is responsible for the development of cholesterol gallstones, however, it isn't. The risk factors for developing cholesterol gallstones include:
Gender. Gallstones form more commonly in women than men. Age. Gallstone prevalence increases with age. Obesity. Obese individuals are more likely to form gallstones than thin individuals. Pregnancy. Women who have been pregnant are more likely to form gallstones than women who have not been pregnant. Pregnancy increases the risk for cholesterol gallstones because during pregnancy, bile contains more cholesterol, and the gallbladder does not contract normally. Birth control pills and hormone therapy. The increased levels of hormones caused by either treatment mimics pregnancy. Rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss by whatever means-very low calorie diets or obesity surgery-causes cholesterol gallstones in up to 50% of individuals. Many of the gallstones will disappear after the weight is lost, but many do not. Moreover, until they are gone, they may cause problems. Crohn's disease. Individuals with Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum are more likely to develop gallstones. Gallstones form because patients with Crohn's disease lack enough bile acids to solubilize the cholesterol in bile. Normally, bile acids that enter the small intestine from the liver and gallbladder are absorbed back into the body in the terminal ileum and are secreted again by the liver into bile. In other words, the bile acids recycle. In Crohn's disease, the terminal ileum is diseased. Bile acids are not absorbed normally, the body becomes depleted of bile acids, and less bile acids are secreted in bile. There are not enough bile acids to keep cholesterol dissolved in bile, and gallstones form. Increased blood triglycerides. Gallstones occur more frequently in individuals with elevated blood triglyceride levels.
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What are the symptoms of gallstones?
The majority of people with gallstones have no signs or symptoms and are unaware of their gallstones. (The gallstones are "silent.") Their gallstones often are found as a result of tests (e.g., ultrasound or X-ray examination of the abdomen) performed while evaluating medical conditions other than gallstones. Symptoms can appear later in life, however, after many years without symptoms. Thus, over a period of five years, approximately ten percent of people with silent gallstones will develop symptoms. Once symptoms develop, they are likely to continue and often will worsen.
Gallstones are blamed for many symptoms they do not cause. Among the symptoms gallstones do not cause are dyspepsia (including abdominal bloating and discomfort after eating), intolerance to fatty foods, belching, and flatulence (passing gas or farting). When signs and symptoms of gallstones occur, they virtually always occur because the gallstones obstruct the bile ducts.
The most common symptom of gallstones is biliary colic. Biliary colic is a very specific type of pain, occurring as the primary or only symptom in 80% of people with gallstones who develop symptoms. Biliary colic occurs when the extrahepatic ducts-cystic, hepatic or common bile-are suddenly blocked by a gallstone. (Slowly-progressing obstruction, as from a tumor, does not cause biliary colic.) Behind the obstruction, fluid accumulates and distends the ducts and gallbladder. In the case of hepatic or common bile duct obstruction, this is due to continued secretion of bile by the liver. In the case of cystic duct obstruction, the wall of the gallbladder secretes fluid into the gallbladder. It is the distention of the ducts or gallbladder that causes biliary colic.
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Characteristically, biliary colic comes on suddenly or builds rapidly to a peak over a few minutes. It is a constant pain--it does not come and go, though it may vary in intensity while it is present. It lasts for 15 minutes to 4-5 hours. If the pain lasts more than 4-5 hours, it means that a complication--usually cholecystitis--has developed. The pain usually is severe, but movement does not make the pain worse. In fact, patients experiencing biliary colic often walk about or writhe (twist the body in different positions) in bed trying to find a comfortable position. Biliary colic often is accompanied by nausea. Most commonly, biliary colic is felt in the middle of the upper abdomen just below the sternum. The second most common location for pain is the right upper abdomen just below the margin of the ribs. Occasionally, the pain also may be felt in the back at the lower tip of the scapula on the right side. On rare occasions, the pain may be felt beneath the sternum and be mistaken for angina or a heart attack . An episode of biliary colic subsides gradually once the gallstone shifts within the duct so that it is no longer obstructing.
Biliary colic is a recurring symptom. Once the first episode occurs, there are likely to be other episodes. Also, there is a pattern of recurrence for each individual, that is, for some individuals the episodes tend to remain frequent while for others they tend to remain infrequent. The majority of people who develop biliary colic do not go on to develop cholecystitis or other complications.
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What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. ("Hyper" means "over" in Greek). Thyrotoxicosis is a toxic condition that is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones from any cause. Thyrotoxicosis can be caused by an excessive intake of thyroid hormone or by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Because both physicians and patients often use these words interchangeably, we will take some liberty by using the term "hyperthyroidism" throughout this article.
What are thyroid hormones?
Thyroid hormones stimulate the metabolism of cells. They are produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly formed by two wings (lobes) and attached by a middle part (isthmus).
The thyroid gland removes iodine from the blood (which comes mostly from a diet of foods such as seafood, bread, and salt) and uses it to produce thyroid hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) representing 99.9% and 0.1% of thyroid hormones respectively. The hormone with the most biological activity (i.e., the greatest effect on the body) is actually T3. Once released from the thyroid gland into the blood, a large amount of T4 is converted to T3--the more active hormone that affects the metabolism of cells.
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Thyroid hormone regulation--the chain of command
The thyroid itself is regulated by another gland located in the brain, called the pituitary. In turn, the pituitary is regulated in part by thyroid hormone that is circulating in the blood (a "feedback" effect of thyroid hormone on the pituitary gland) and in part by another gland called the hypothalamus, also a part of the brain.
The hypothalamus releases a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), which sends a signal to the pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In turn, TSH sends a signal to the thyroid to release thyroid hormones. If overactivity of any of these three glands occurs, an excessive amount of thyroid hormones can be produced, thereby resulting in hyperthyroidism.
Hypothalamus - TRH
Pituitary- TSH
Thyroid- T4 and T3
The rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the pituitary gland. If there is an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone circulating in the body to allow for normal functioning, the release of TSH is increased by the pituitary in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. In contrast, when there is an excessive amount of circulating thyroid hormone, the release of TSH is reduced as the pituitary attempts to decrease the production of thyroid hormone. What causes hyperthyroidism?
Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include:
Graves' Disease Functioning adenoma ("hot nodule") & Toxic Multinodular Goiter (TMNG) Excessive intake of thyroid hormones Abnormal secretion of TSH Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) Excessive iodine intake Graves' Disease
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What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is suggested by several signs and symptoms; however, patients with mild disease usually experience no symptoms. In patients older than 70 years, the typical signs and symptoms also may be absent. In general, the symptoms become more obvious as the degree of hyperthyroidism increases. The symptoms usually are related to an increase in the metabolic rate of the body. Common symptoms include:
Excessive sweating Heat intolerance Increased bowel movements Tremor (usually fine shaking) Nervousness; agitation Rapid heart rate Weight loss Fatigue Decreased concentration Irregular and scant menstrual flow In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure can occur. In its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in "thyroid storm," a condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental changes, such as confusion and delirium, also may occur.
How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
Hyperthyroidism can be suspected in patients with tremors, excessive sweating, smooth, velvety skin, fine hair, a rapid heart rate and an enlarged thyroid gland. There may be puffiness around the eyes and a characteristic stare due to the elevation of the upper eyelids. Advanced symptoms are easily detected, but early symptoms, especially in the elderly, may be quite inconspicuous. In all cases, a blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The blood levels of thyroid hormones can be measured directly and usually are elevated with hyperthyroidism. However, the main tool for detection of hyperthyroidism is measurement of the blood TSH level. As mentioned earlier, TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. If an excess amount of thyroid hormone is present, TSH is "down-regulated" and the level of TSH falls in an attempt to reduce production of thyroid hormone. Thus, the measurement of TSH should result in low or undetectable levels in cases of hyperthyroidism. However, there is one exception. If the excessive amount of thyroid hormone is due to a TSH-secreting pituitary tumor, then the levels of TSH will be abnormally high. This uncommon disease is known as "secondary hyperthyroidism."
Although the blood tests mentioned previously can confirm the presence of excessive thyroid hormone, they do not point to a specific cause. If there is obvious involvement of the eyes, a diagnosis of Graves' disease is almost certain. A combination of antibody screening (for Graves' disease) and a thyroid scan using radioactively-labelled iodine (which concentrates in the thyroid gland) can help diagnose the underlying thyroid disease. These investigations are chosen on a case-by-case basis.