Thyroid Trouble
Your thyroid is the gland in your body that releases hormones that control your heart rate, body weight as well as the temperature of your body. This gland is located in your neck and if it produces too much hormones, then you will be diagnosed with a condition called hyperthyroidism. Although the exact cause for this condition is not known today by doctors, they do feel that the immune system is involved. There is a long list of symptoms of hyperthyroidism and it is generally found more in women then men.
The typical symptoms can include things like a rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to heat and a restless feeling. Anxiety and nervousness are also on this list as is mood swings and fatigue. The hands of someone with this condition can be trembling and they can also experience things like constipation or diarrhea. They are usually always hungry but they will have weight loss.
After a surgery or an event that was stressful, this person can develop an infection and then another symptom will arise called the thyroid storm. The symptoms for this are a very high body temperature and diarrhea that can be so bad that dehydration can develop. They can show mood swings that are very dramatic and their heartbeat can be very fat. Coma is possible and if medical treatment is not given, death can occur. These are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and there are many tests that your doctor can do to diagnose it.
One is the thyroid scan that can test how active your thyroid is. You will be asked to drink a radioactive dye or it might be given by IV. Within two hours, up to two days after this is administered, the dye will show the active areas of your thyroid. There is also a urine test that will require you to collect your urine for one whole day. You might be given anti-thyroid medication as this will lower the production of the thyroid and there is the chance of surgery also for those with severe cases. This surgery will be done to remove just a part or all of the thyroid. If you feel your temperature is too high, call your doctor. Or if you notice your heartbeat as being rapid or you develop hives or a skin rash you will want to call your doctor also. Perhaps you notice that your salivary glands are swollen or you are feeling nervous or anxious. These are all beginning symptoms and should not be ignored.
