DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Endocrine Disorder

Hyperthyroidism

MODERATE

Overproduction of thyroid hormones causing accelerated metabolism. Most commonly caused by Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, or thyroiditis. Affects multiple body systems and requires treatment to prevent serious complications like heart problems and osteoporosis.

Global Affected

52.0M

Countries

89

Symptoms

Weight loss despite increased appetite
Rapid heartbeat
Anxiety/irritability
Tremor
Heat intolerance
Increased sweating
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Difficulty sleeping
Frequent bowel movements

Treatment Options

Antithyroid medications
Radioactive iodine
Thyroid surgery
Beta-blockers
Iodine (preoperative)
Treatment of underlying cause
Graves' ophthalmopathy treatment

Risk Factors

1Female gender
2Age 20-40
3Family history
4Graves' disease
5Toxic nodular goiter
6Thyroiditis
7Excess iodine intake
8Pregnancy/postpartum

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1TSH (suppressed)
  • 2Free T4/T3 (elevated)
  • 3Thyroid uptake scan
  • 4Thyroid antibodies (TRAb, TPO)
  • 5Thyroid ultrasound
  • 6ECG

Prognosis

Excellent with treatment. Most achieve euthyroid state. Graves' may relapse after medication. Radioactive iodine often causes hypothyroidism requiring replacement. Surgery curative but carries risks.

Prevention

  • No primary prevention
  • Avoid excess iodine
  • Regular screening if family history
  • Early treatment of thyroiditis
  • Adequate selenium intake

Research Status

Antithyroid drugs (methimazole, PTU) for Graves' disease. Radioactive iodine ablation. Surgery (thyroidectomy). Beta-blockers for symptom control. Graves' ophthalmopathy requires specialized treatment. Treatment choice depends on cause and patient factors.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaChinaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLKMMKHLAMNKPUzbekistanKazakhstanKGTJTMAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMKMESerbiaXK

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism
  • https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hyperthyroidism
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.