discussion reply week 4 -robert

. Common disorders of thyroid gland vs normal structure/function

COLLAPSE

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RESEARCH:

     The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland wrapped around the trachea. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism. There are a few common disorders of this gland.

     Hyperthyroidism is when the gland is overactive. “Excessive thyroid hormone production leads to symptoms such as: restlessness, nervousness, racing heart, irritability, increased sweating, shaking, anxiety, trouble sleeping, thin skin, brittle hair and nails, muscle weakness, weight loss, and bulging eyes (in Graves’ disease)” (Murrell,2018). This effects about one percent of women and is even less common in men.

     Hypothyroidism is when the gland is underactive. “Too little thyroid hormone production leads to symptoms such as: fatigue, dry skin, increased sensitivity too cold, memory problems, constipation, depression, weight gain, weakness, slow heart rate, and coma” (Murrell, 2018). This affects about 4.6% of people.

     Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland and destroys its ability to produce hormones. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.

     Graves’ disease is another one where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes the gland to over produce hormones. This one is hereditary.

     Goiter is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. The most common cause of this is from an iodine deficiency in the diet. “Conversely, goiter is often caused by — and a symptom of — hyperthyroidism in the United States, where iodized salt provides plenty of iodine.” (Murrell, 2018).

     Thyroid Nodules are growths that form on the thyroid. Most are benign, but a very small percentage become cancerous.

     The normal function of the thyroid is the secretion of thyroid hormone in order to speed up one’s metabolism. It raises oxygen consumption, increases heat production, raises the respiratory rate, raises heart rate, and strength of the heartbeat. Also, it stimulates the appetite and increases the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and protein for fuel. The thyroid also responds to rising levels of calcium in the blood which in turn helps promote calcium deposition and bone formation.

CRITICAL THINKING:

     Diseases of the thyroid should be taken seriously. My late wife was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and was put on a medication called Synthroid. It took almost a year to get the dosage right. You can only change the dosage in very small amounts. During this time, she fought with fighting weight gain. Another issue was some of the symptoms are the same as the symptoms of heart disease. Because of this it masked her heart issues and she passed at a young age from a heart attack before she could be diagnosed with heart disease.

 

W/C=424

Murrell, D. (2018). 6 Common Thyroid Disorders & Problems. Healthline.com https://www.healthline.com/health/common-thyroid-disorders

 

Saladin, K. (2020). Anatomy & physiology: The unit of form and function (9th ed.). McGraw Hill Education.

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