Hyperthyroidism is a common autoimmune disease characterized by excessive thyroid activity, which leads to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.
1、 Inducing factors of hyperthyroidism
Genetic factors: Genetic factors are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism, and family members with hyperthyroidism have a higher risk of developing the disease. Certain specific genetic variations are also associated with the onset of hyperthyroidism.
Abnormal immune system: The dysfunction of the immune system is considered one of the key factors in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. In hyperthyroidism, the patient's immune system abnormally produces autoantibodies called TSH receptor antibodies, which bind to TSH receptors on thyroid cells, mimic the action of TSH, and stimulate the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.
Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors may have a certain promoting effect on the onset of hyperthyroidism, such as smoking, excessive iodine intake, and occupational exposure to radioactive substances, which are considered to be associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.
Psychological stimulation: Some patients may have a history of significant psychological stimulation or trauma, such as anxiety, sadness, and panic, before clinical symptoms appear. Intense psychological stimulation can cause thyroid dysfunction, and reduced adrenal cortex hormones cannot effectively inhibit thyroid secretion, leading to the occurrence of hyperthyroidism.
2、 Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Neurological symptoms: Patients generally exhibit symptoms of mental stress such as anxiety, irritability, irritability, and emotional instability, insomnia, poor sleep quality, and are prone to tremors, especially finger or body tremors, with difficulty in fine finger movements.
Cardiovascular system symptoms: significantly increased heart rate, accompanied by palpitations, palpitations, tachycardia, and other symptoms; Hypertension and significant enhancement of arterial pulsation may occur; Patients with angina and hypertension have a relatively increased chance of developing acute coronary syndrome (such as myocardial infarction).
Digestive system symptoms: Patients often have a strong appetite, a preference for oil and sugar, a large amount of food intake, and weight loss; Stomach distension and increased intramuscular pressure around the esophagus can lead to gastric spasms and food reflux symptoms; Increased frequency of bowel movements and soft stool.
Metabolic changes: The patient's skin is moist and warm, with increased sweating; Elevated body temperature and increased sweating; When hyperthyroidism occurs, the body's tolerance to glucose improves, and the body's absorption and synthesis functions need to be enhanced. At the same time, the body's catabolism also increases, leading to weight loss.
Other symptoms: eyelid swelling, mild to moderate conjunctival congestion, and eyeball protrusion; Thyroid enlargement, palpation can feel a significant increase in the volume of the anterior neck; Periodic or progressive muscle weakness, weakness and pain in the lower limbs, waist and back, and the neuromuscular plexus is not sluggish; Abnormal menstruation in women, shortened menstrual cycle, reduced volume, and even amenorrhea.
3、 Treatment plan for hyperthyroidism
Drug therapy: Antithyroid drugs such as thiourea drugs (methimazole, ordinary methimazole, etc.) and iodides are used to inhibit the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, reduce the production of thyroid hormones, and thus achieve the goal of inhibiting hyperthyroidism.
Radioiodine therapy: Radioiodine therapy selectively destroys thyroid tissue by orally administering a certain dose of radioactive iodine-131, thereby reducing the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones. This treatment method is safe and effective, and is commonly used for patients with recurrent attacks, ineffective medication, or intolerance. However, it should be noted that radioactive iodine therapy may lead to hypothyroidism, so it is necessary to monitor thyroid function and perform corresponding alternative treatments during the treatment process.
Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment is mainly suitable for patients with significant enlargement of thyroid volume, severe symptoms such as suffocation and swallowing difficulties, as well as those who have contraindications or ineffective treatment with antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine. Surgery generally adopts total or partial resection, which involves surgical removal of part or all of thyroid tissue to reduce the production and secretion of thyroid hormones.
The symptoms of different individuals may vary, and their severity may also differ depending on individual circumstances. If there are suspected symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo corresponding thyroid function tests to clarify the diagnosis and receive professional treatment recommendations.