Long-Term Care

Diseases of the thyroid: hypothyroidism

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, December 28, 2004

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The thyroid gland is the largest of the endocrine glands-the glands responsible for controlling metabolic activity. The thyroid gland produces hormones containing iodine which is necessary for normal growth and metabolism.

Abnormalities of the thyroid are fairly common and affect about one in twenty people in the United States and Canada. At least 10% of women show signs of thyroid failure by age 50. By age 60, 17% of women and 8% of men have thyroid problems.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the reduced activity of the thyroid gland. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Weak, slow heartbeat
  • Muscular weakness and fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Hoarse voice
  • Sensitivity to the cold
  • Slowed mental processes, poor memory
  • Constipation
  • Thick, puffy, dry, scaly skin
Hashimoto's disease
Hashimoto's disease is the most common form of hypothyroidism. With this disease, the thyroid produces little or no thyroid hormone. It is most common in women and people with Down's syndrome.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, Hashimoto's disease is characterized by the following:

  • Painless enlargement of the thyroid gland
  • Feeling of pressure on the throat
  • Difficulty swallowing

Hypothyroidism mimics many of the symptoms of the normal aging process. Because of this, it often goes undiagnosed. Treatment is conducted with synthetic thyroid hormone. Once prescribed medication, a person will need to take it for the rest of his or her life.

We'll continue studying diseases of the thyroid next week, with hyperthyroidism.



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