Iodine 131 is a kind of isotope radiation therapy, which is one of the treatments for hyperthyroidism. It has been compared to “bloodless surgery” because of its fast, convenient and quick results. Iodine 131 treatment for hyperthyroidism may seem simple and effective, but it can easily lead to lifelong hypothyroidism and a series of complications. Iodine 131 is a radioactive isotope that destroys thyroid cells through radiation to suppress hormone secretion. Since the dose of iodine 131 is difficult to precisely control, a significant number of patients develop secondary hypothyroidism after taking it.
Iodine-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism – an accomplice to hypothyroidism
The main disadvantage of iodine-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism is that it is impossible to avoid the complication hypothyroidism. The incidence of hypothyroidism is about 10% in early treatment and up to about 60% in late treatment.
People who are not suitable for iodine-131 treatment
1. Those who are under 25 years of age.
2.Severe infiltrative synostosis.
3.Thyroid crisis.
4. Those whose thyroid gland cannot take up iodine.
5.Pregnant and lactating women.
6.Severe heart, kidney or liver failure or active tuberculosis.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a general term referring to the increase of thyroid hormone caused by the lesion of the thyroid gland itself, resulting in the increase of excitability and hyper-metabolism of the nervous, circulatory and digestive systems of the body.
Clinical symptoms
1, increased metabolism and sympathetic nerve high excitation performance: commonly have fear of heat, sweating, skin dampness, but also by hypothermia; easy hunger, more food, and wasting; panic, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure; easily agitated, excited, talkative, hyperactive, insomnia, tongue and hand outreach can have a subtle tremor.
2. Enlarged thyroid gland: diffuse, soft and elastic in texture.
3. Eye disease:Most patients have eye abnormalities or protruding eyes
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism
Typical cases can be diagnosed by detailed medical history and relying on clinical manifestations. Laboratory tests show an increase in serum FT3 and FT4.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism
1.General treatment
Reasonable arrangement of diet, high calorie, high protein, high vitamin and low iodine diet; mental relaxation; proper rest and avoid heavy physical activities.
2.Medication
Thiouracil is the main treatment method for hyperthyroidism. The characteristics of this treatment method are: oral medication, which is easily accepted by patients; no irreversible damage will be caused after treatment; however, the medication course is long and requires regular follow-up; the recurrence rate is high. Even if the drug is used reasonably regularly, there is still a recurrence rate of more than 20% after treatment. Varieties of drugs: methimazole (tabazol), propylthiouracil, carbimazole (methoxypin) and methylthiouracil.
3.Surgical treatment
Subtotal thyroidectomy after drug treatment is effective, with a cure rate of over 90%.
4.Radioactive iodine therapy: Iodine 131 (as described above).
Complications of hyperthyroidism
1. Thyroid crisis: It is a serious comorbidity of hyperthyroidism and has a high death rate.
2. Hyperthyroid heart disease: heart enlargement, cardiac insufficiency, atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris and even myocardial infarction, pathological sinus node syndrome and cardiomyopathy due to the effect of thyroxine on the heart.
3. Thyroid eye disease: Thyroid eye disease is an infiltrative and inflammatory eye disease with abnormal thyroid function.
4. Hyperthyroidism chronic myopathy.
5. Hyperthyroidism combined with periodic paralysis: When hyperthyroidism is combined with periodic paralysis, the blood potassium is often reduced. In clinical patients with periodic paralysis, blood tests for thyroid function are usually routinely drawn.
Hyperthyroidism care
1. Regulate emotion and morale: Regulate emotion and morale, cultivate body and mind, do not get angry when things go wrong, meditate and recuperate.
2. Combine work and rest, drink more water.
3. Diet and taboos: Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Drink less coffee, strong tea. High calorie, high vitamin, high protein diet. Do not eat food containing iodine, such as seaweed, nori, etc.
4, eye protection: you should wear sunglasses when you go out to avoid the stimulation of strong light, sand and dust.
5. Reasonable pregnancy: Generally speaking, there is no effect on pregnancy in hyperthyroidism patients, but medical advice should be strictly followed during pregnancy, the dose of medication should be small, and artificial feeding should be done after delivery, and breastfeeding is not advisable.
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