Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Before hyperthyroidism treatment is instituted, Grave's disease should be proven clinically by at least one test of thyroid function.
It has also been noted that while the mortality rates for treated thyroid patients were not increased, there was a noticable increase in non-fatal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in patients with treated hypothyroidism. Cardiovascular disease events increased in those with previous hyperthyroidism issues.
Grave's disease,is treated with anti-thyroid drugs, radio-iodine,or thyroidectomy.Hyperthyroidism depends upon the patients age,the size other goitre and the response of the treatment done in the past.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Propranolol In hyperthyroidism treatment, propranolol acts as beta-adrenergic blocking agent and helps in symptomatic control of hyperthyroid features.The patients cardiac consciousness and palpitations are reduced.Increased sweat,nervousness are less.
In hyperthyroid myopathy, muscle power can be increased by propranolol. 20mg. dose should be given initially for 48 hours,four times a day and after that 40 mg, three a day. Propranolol should be avoided to patients with bronchial asthma.Anti-thyroid drugs.
In children and infants,hyperthyroidism treatment in thyrotoxicosis, is by antithyroid drugs such as Carbimazole or Propylthiouracil . Carbimazole 10mg is given 8 hourly or 100mg propylthiouracil 8- hourly. When hyperthyroidism is under control, the dose can be reduced to an amount that keeps the patients thyroid level in normal range.
Radio-iodine: In hyperthyroidism, treatment of the patients above 40 years of age is usually done by Iodine-131. It is done for the treatment of recurrent hyperthyroidism after thyriodectomy. The dosage is given depending on the severity of the symptoms and is usually in the range of 1.48 - 3.7 x 10^8 Bq. After 3 months of treatment with Iodine -131, about 60% of patients,are euthyroid after one dose and the rest require a smaller second dose or very rarely a third dose.
Subtotal-thyroidectomy: In Grave's disease hyperthyroidism, treatment by surgery is indicated when there are symptoms or signs of pressure from the goitre , when the gland is retrosternal or too large. Also, when there is relapse after medical hyperthyroidism treatment.
