Hyperthyroidism is a specific type of disease that affects the thyroid gland. It is marked by the development of overactive tissues, which then leads to an overproduction of free thyroid hormones, namely triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Aside from the possible causes of this disease, it is also very important to identify its different symptoms, which can actually help in the proper diagnosis as well as implementation of the appropriate treatment. Here is a closer look at some of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Individuals suffering from hyperthyroidism exhibit different common symptoms like hair loss, heat intolerance and anxiety. Although patients can experience significant increase in appetite, the loss of weight is evident. Additional signs include fatigue, weakness and muscle aches that affect the entire body. Furthermore, patients can also experience apathy, irritability and hyperactivity. It is also quite common for patients to have polydipsia, polyuria as well as depression. Aside from sweating, they can also experience pretibial myxedema, tremor and delirium. Patients are more likely to have dyspnea or shortness of breath, arrhythmias and palpitations. These signs are also accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of libido. When left untreated, this condition can even lead to more health problems, one of which is osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Older Patients

Aside from kids and adults, hyperthyroidism can also have significant effect on older patients. Because of the tender disposition of patients within this particular age group, it is very important to pay closer attention to this kind of problem. Although irregular heart rhythm is the most common symptom, it can still lead to heart failure when left untreated.

Neurological Manifestations of the Disease

Patients who have hyperthyroidism develop different kinds of neurological manifestations. Some of the known signs affecting the nervous system include periodic paralysis and myopathy. Furthermore, they can also experience chorea and tremors. This type of thyroid disease is somehow related to the neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis. This kind of illness is also linked to a few rare neurological manifestations, namely a syndrome similar to the Guillain-Barre syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well as pseudotumor cerebri.

Minor Ocular Symptoms

Patients with hyperthyroidism may also show some minor ocular symptoms. These include the lid-lag, extra-ocular muscle weakness and eyelid retraction, the last symptom of which is often referred to as the hypothyroid stare. Also called the von Graefe’s sign, a lid-lag is a condition marked by the inability of the eyelid to follow the downward movement of the iris. Meanwhile, the weakness of the extra-ocular muscle may be accompanied by another condition called double vision. In addition, the hypothyroid stare is considered a Dalrymple sign, wherein the eyelids of patients become upwardly retracted.

More Points on Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a type of disease that can cause significant amount of uneasiness and discomfort to many patients. It has many different symptoms, which make it more complex compared to other types of illnesses. These include certain neurological manifestations as well as minor ocular symptoms. Furthermore, it is also highly important to pay a closer look at the older patients who are suffering from this type of disease. Proper care and treatment are necessary in order to control the various signs associated with this type of disease.