Final answer:
Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, with symptoms opposite to each other, requiring careful medication management and monitoring for severe symptoms like thyroid storm. Treatments involve hormone replacement for hypothyroidism and may include sedatives for hyperthyroidism, with dietary adjustments being necessary for both.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders can manifest as either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, each with distinct signs and symptoms. Hyperthyroidism, often caused by Graves' disease, results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones leading to symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate, and sensitivity to heat. Common symptoms include protruding eyes (exophthalmos), heart palpitations, and diarrhea. In management, it is crucial not to stop medication abruptly and to monitor for signs of a thyroid storm, which is a severe and sudden exacerbation of symptoms including fever and increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, administering sedatives might be necessary to manage symptoms.
In contrast, hypothyroidism involves reduced thyroid hormone levels, leading to symptoms like weight gain, cold intolerance, and mental sluggishness. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the typical treatment for hypothyroidism, and the dosage must be monitored carefully to avoid further complications. Both disorders require careful dietary management, including avoiding excessive iodine intake and monitoring overall health status such as weight and cardiac function with tests like the EKG.