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Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) Discharge Instructions


About this topic


The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland. It is found in the lower part of the front neck. This gland makes hormones that control how your body uses energy. When your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones, you have hyperthyroidism. Then, the cells in your body speed up and use too much energy. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss. It can cause you to have an irregular or fast heartbeat. You may also notice more sweating and a feeling of nervousness. Some people feel irritable. This illness can be treated by drugs and surgery. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquids each day.
  • Learn how to handle stress.
  • For eye problems:
    • Use cool compress on top of your eyes.
    • Wear sunglasses to lessen pain or discomfort.
    • Use eye drops if your eyes are dry or itch. Talk with your doctor about this.
    • Avoid scratching or putting pressure on your eyes.
    • Keep your head higher than the rest of your body when you lie down. This will ease swelling around your eyes.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor may order a blood test to check the thyroid level in your blood. Do not miss these visits.
  • If surgery has been done and you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Slow thyroid activity
  • Stop the thyroid gland from making more hormones
  • Help with signs like fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, and agitation
  • Replace your thyroid hormones if you had surgery or radioactive iodine treatment

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity for a short period of time. Avoid doing stressful and heavy activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


You may need to eat foods high in protein and calories to prevent weight loss. Talk to your doctor about a diet that is right for you. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Heart problems like fast heart rate or heart failure
  • Osteoporosis
  • Eye problems like bulging, redness or swelling, light sensitivity, and blurring or seeing double
  • Your signs get worse, leading to a fever, fast pulse rate, and delirium (thyrotoxic crisis)

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Very fast irregular heartbeat
  • Fainting events
  • Feel nervous and restless
  • Swelling in your neck
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may make my eyes more comfortable.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a very fast heartbeat or feel nervous and restless.

Where can I learn more?


American Thyroid Association ‚  
http://www.thyroid.org/patients/patient_brochures/hyperthyroidism.html ‚  
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service ‚  
http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hyperthyroidism/ ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Thyroid-over-active/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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