Treatments for Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
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Curable Types of Thyroid disorders
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Hospital statistics for Thyroid disorders:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Thyroid disorders:
- 0.09% (11,469) of hospital episodes were for thyroid gland disorders in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 91% of hospital consultations for thyroid gland disorders required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 20% of hospital episodes for thyroid gland disorders were for thyroid gland disorders men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 80% of hospital episodes for thyroid gland disorders were for thyroid gland disorders women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 19% of hospital admissions for thyroid gland disorders required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
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Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Thyroid disorders
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Medical news summaries about treatments for Thyroid disorders:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Thyroid disorders:
Discussion of treatments for Thyroid disorders:
Understanding Autoimmune Disease: NIAID (Excerpt)
The symptoms of
hypothyroidism are controlled with replacement thyroid hormone pills; however,
complications from over- or under-replacement of the hormone can occur.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism requires long-term anti-thyroid drug therapy or
destruction of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine or surgery. Both of
these treatment approaches carry certain risks and long-term side effects.
Autoimmune thyroid diseases afflict as many as 4 out of 100 women and are
frequently found in families where there are other autoimmune diseases.
(Source: excerpt from Understanding Autoimmune Disease: NIAID)
Thyroid Disease: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Thyroid disease is generally easily and safely treated with medication
alone or with surgery and medication. It is important to monitor thyroid
levels regularly with your doctor. (Source: excerpt from Thyroid Disease: NWHIC)
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Thyroid disorders
Treatments of Thyroid disorders: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
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for more information about the treatments of Thyroid disorders.
Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Identify and address the underlying cause
-
Appetite disturbance of depression may be reversed by antidepressant medications
-
Pancreatic enzymes for pancreatic malabsorption
-
Referral to nutritionist if necessary
-
Referral to social services if necessary
-
Anorexia of malignancy and AIDS can be treated with megestrol acetate or dronabinol
-
Aggressive treatment of anorexia nervosa, including evaluation for electrolyte and cardiac disorders and consultation with psychiatrist or psychologist
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Weight Gain:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Weight loss by low-calorie diet and exercise
-
Discontinue or change offending medications if possible
-
Treat underlying medical disorders
–CHF: Diuretics, digoxin, ACE inhibitor, nitrates, salt
restriction
–Liver disease: Diuretics, paracentesis, salt restriction
–Nephrotic syndrome: Diuretics, anticoagulation,
nephrology referral
–Cushing's disease: Surgery to remove tumor
–Cushing's syndrome: Search for and treat the underlying
cause (e.g., resection of tumor); diet
–Depression: Antidepressants, counseling
–Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone replacement
–Diabetes: Oral medications, insulin, diet, exercise
–Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Diet, oral contraceptives
–Pregnancy: Prenatal care
–Pre-eclampsia: Bedrest, magnesium sulfate,
antihypertensive meds, deliver baby if necessary
–Bulimia: Psychiatry referral
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Initial goals are to achieve fluid balance via rehydration and to correct electrolyte disturbances
-
Caloric assessment and possible dietary supplementation
-
Treat infectious causes if medically indicated
-
Psychiatric care
–For eating disorders, depression, drug abuse
-
Malabsorption
–May require special formulas/restriction diets
–May require pancreatic enzymes
-
Treat endocrine disturbance
-
Anti-inflammatory medications for IBD
-
Surgical correction of cardiac anomalies
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Chronic, No Blood or Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treatment is directed at cause
-
Chronic nonspecific diarrhea
–Restriction of fluid intake to <90 mL/kg/day
–Reduction of fruit juices (<8 ounces/day)
–Elimination of sorbitol-containing juices
-
Carbohydrate malabsorption
–Trial elimination or reduction of offending sugar
–Lactase (Lactaid) for lactose intolerance
–Sucrase (Sucraid) for sucrase-isomaltase deficiency
-
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
–Antibiotic therapy with metronidazole alone or in combination with ampicillin or Bactrim
–Surgery for partial small bowel obstruction
-
Low-fat diet: Increase fat intake to approximately 40% of total daily calorie intake
-
Irritable bowel syndrome
–Anticholinergic therapy or antidepressants
-
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Zinc supplements
>>>>> >>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Chronic, with Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Correct malnourished states
-
IBD: Anti-inflammatories (e.g., steroids, 6MP, 5ASA)
-
CD: Lifelong gluten-free diet
-
CF: Pancreatic enzyme and nutritional supplements including fat-soluble vitamins (ADEK)
-
Allergy: Food antigen avoidance
-
Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency: “Sucraid” enzyme
-
Neural crest tumors: Surgical resections
-
VIPoma: Somatostatin
-
Gastrinoma: Proton pump inhibitors
-
Whipple disease: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
-
Abetalipoprotenemia: No specific treatment
–Supplements of fat-soluble vitamins and MCT oil
-
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Zinc supplements
-
Giardiasis: Metronidazole or nitazoxamide
-
Hyperalimentation: Parenteral nutrition may be needed for familial enteropathies
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Thyroiditis:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Appropriate treatment varies with the type of thyroiditis. Drug therapy includes levothyroxine for accompanying hypothyroidism, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs for mild subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, propranolol for transient hyperthyroidism, and steroids for severe episodes of acute inflammation. Suppurative thyroiditis requires antibiotic therapy. A partial thyroidectomy may be necessary to relieve tracheal or esophageal compression in Riedel’s thyroiditis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Thyroid cancer:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
❑Total or subtotal thyroidectomy, with modified node dissection (bilateral or unilateral) on the side of the primary cancer (papillary or follicular cancer)
❑Total thyroidectomy and radical neck excision (for medullary, giant, or spindle cell cancer)
❑Radiation (131I) with external radiation (for inoperable cancer and sometimes postoperatively in lieu of radical neck excision) or alone (for metastasis)
❑Adjunctive thyroid suppression, with exogenous thyroid hormones suppressing TSH production, and simultaneous administration of an adrenergic blocking agent such as propranolol, increasing tolerance to surgery and radiation
❑Chemotherapy for symptom-producing, widespread metastasis is limited, but doxorubicin is sometimes beneficial.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Thyroid enlargement:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Instruct the patient to watch for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, restlessness, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. Advise the patient with Graves’disease to use artificial tears frequently if proptosis causes his eyes to become dry. If the hyperthyroid patient is receiving therapy with radioactive iodine, tell him not to expectorate or cough freely after treatment because his saliva is radioactive for 24 hours.
Inform the patient that lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary after thyroidectomy or radioactive destruction of the thyroid gland. Tell him to watch for signs of an overdose, such as nervousness and palpitations.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Weight gain, excessive:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Educating the patient about weight control is extremely important. Stress the benefits of behavior modification and dietary compliance. Help the patient plan an appropriate exercise routine.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Low birth weight:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Because low birth weight may be associated with poorly developed body systems, particularly the respiratory system, your priority is to monitor the neonate’s respiratory status. Be alert for signs of distress, such as apnea, grunting respirations, intercostal or xiphoid retractions, or a respiratory rate exceeding 60 breaths/minute after the first hour of life. If you detect any of these signs, prepare to provide respiratory support. Endotracheal intubation or supplemental oxygen with an oxygen hood may be needed.
Monitor the neonate’s axillary temperature. Decreased fat reserves may keep him from maintaining normal body temperature, and a drop below 97.8° F (36.5° C) exacerbates respiratory distress by increasing oxygen consumption. To maintain normal body temperature, use an overbed warmer or an Isolette. (If these are unavailable, use a wrapped rubber bottle filled with warm water, but be careful to avoid hyperthermia.) Cover neonate’s head to prevent heat loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Thyroiditis:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Appropriate treatment varies with the type of thyroiditis. Drug therapy includes levothyroxine for accompanying hypothyroidism, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs for mild subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, propranolol for transient thyrotoxicosis, and ster-oids for severe episodes of acute inflammation. Suppurative thyroiditis requires antibiotic therapy.
A partial thyroidectomy may be necessary to relieve tracheal or esophageal compression in Riedel’s thyroiditis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Thyroid cancer:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
❑ Total or subtotal thyroidectomy, with modified node dissection (bilateral or unilateral) on the side of the primary cancer (papillary or follicular cancer)
❑ Total thyroidectomy and radical neck excision (for medullary, giant, or spindle cell cancer)
❑ Radiation (with or without surgery)
❑ Adjunctive thyroid suppression, with exogenous thyroid hormones suppressing thyrotropin production, and simultaneous administration of an adrenergic blocking agent such as propranolol, increasing tolerance to surgery and radiation
❑ Chemotherapy for symptomatic, widespread metastasis is limited, but doxorubicin is sometimes beneficial.
UNDER STUDY: Researchers are excited about recent advancements in the treatment of thyroid cancer:
❑ Researchers have identified the genetic cause of medullary thyroid carcinoma, which makes it possible to identify carriers of the abnormal gene.
❑ Improvements in imaging studies have proven helpful in the treatment of patients who present with clinically challenging conditions such as the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies.
❑ New treatments such as the use of agents to improve iodine uptake in follicular cell tumors are in early investigation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Thyroid enlargement:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Instruct the patient to watch for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, restlessness, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. If the patient has Graves’disease, proptosis may cause his eyes to become dry, so advise him to use artificial tears frequently. If the hyperthyroid patient is receiving therapy with radioactive iodine, tell him not to expectorate or cough freely after treatment because his saliva is radioactive for 24 hours. If the patient has a goiter, support him as he expresses his feelings related to his appearance.
After thyroidectomy or radioactive destruction of the thyroid gland, explain to the patient that lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary. Tell him to watch for signs of overdose, such as nervousness and palpitations.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Weight gain, excessive:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Educating the patient about weight control is extremely important. Stress the benefits of behavior modification and dietary compliance. Help the patient plan an appropriate exercise routine.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Weight loss, excessive:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Refer your patient for psychological counseling if weight loss negatively affects his body image. Teach the patient about his diet and recommend that he keep a food diary. Determine his food preferences and try to incorporate them into his diet. Encourage oral hygiene before meals to make the food more palatable.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Thyroid enlargement:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, which may include needle aspiration, ultrasound, and radioactive thyroid scanning.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery or radiation therapy, if necessary.
▪ Provide specific interventions, depending on whether the patient is hypothyroid or has thyroiditis.
▪ Provide postoperative care for the patient who has undergone thyroidectomy.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Explain the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism to report.
▪ Explain posttreatment precautions to the patient undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.
▪ Teach thyroid hormone replacement therapy and signs of thyroid hormone overdose to report.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Weight gain, excessive:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Refer the patient for psychological counseling, as necessary.
▪ If the patient is obese or has a cardiopulmonary disorder, monitor exercise closely.
▪ Perform studies to rule out possible secondary causes should include serum thyroid-stimulating hormone determination and dexamethasone suppression testing.
▪ Perform laboratory tests for thyroid function and serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain to the patient the cause of weight gain, if known.
▪ Teach the patient about appropriate dietary choices and discuss an individualized exercise plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Low birth weight:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Initiate feedings as soon as possible and continue to feed the neonate every 2 to 3 hours.
▪ Provide gavage or I.V. nutrition for the sick or very premature neonate.
▪ Check abdominal girth daily or more frequently if indicated, and check stools for blood to detect necrotizing enterocolitis.
▪ Prepare for a sepsis workup if signs of infection are associated with low birth weight.
▪ Check the neonate's vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour and at least once every hour thereafter until his condition stabilizes.
▪ Be alert for changes in temperature or behavior, feeding problems, respiratory distress, or periods of apnea—possible indications of infection.
▪ Monitor blood glucose levels and watch for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as irritability, jitteriness, tremors, seizures, irregular respirations, lethargy, and a high-pitched or weak cry.
▪ If the neonate is receiving supplemental oxygen, carefully monitor arterial blood gas values and the oxygen concentration of inspired air to prevent retinopathy.
▪ Monitor the neonate's urine output by weighing diapers before and after voiding.
▪ Check urine color, measure specific gravity, and test for the presence of glucose, blood, or protein.
▪ Watch for changes in the neonate's skin color because increasing jaundice may indicate hyperbilirubinemia.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain disorder and all procedures and treatments to the parents.
▪ Encourage the parents to participate in their neonate's care to strengthen bonding.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Weight loss, excessive:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Take daily calorie counts and weigh the patient weekly.
▪ Consult a nutritionist to determine an appropriate diet and nutritional supplements with adequate calories.
▪ Administer hyperalimentation or tube feedings to maintain nutrition, as needed.
Patient teaching
▪ Provide instruction in proper nutrition and keeping a food diary.
▪ Instruct the patient in proper oral hygiene.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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