Step 1 Medical Diagnostic Services, 146 Royce Road (2026)

04/11/2024

_Bracing myself for a journey of learning & growth as an emerging project manager

16/09/2020

MALE INFERTILITY.

Male Infertility is the inability to get a female partner pregnant despite having frequent, acurately timed, unprotected s*xual in*******se for at least a year.
Or simply say, it is the inability to father a child.

Over a third of Infertility issues is associated with a male factor.
This is often due to problems with production of s***m or its distribution(delivery/ transport).

Male fertility depends on the ability of the man's reproductive system to make normal s***m and delivers them.
When a normal/ healthy s***m is ej******ed into the female va**na, the s***m cells swim through the cervix into the womb and gets to the fallopian tubes where it meets with the female egg leading to fertilization.
This whole process works if the genes, hormone levels and environmental conditions are met right.

CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY.
*S***m disorders: This can be in form of failure of growing s***m cells to mature cells, abnormal shape/structure, poor motility, low/non production of s***m cells.

*Chromosomes: These make up the DNA of a man. Changes in its numbers or structures can affect fertility.

* Hormones: The production of s***m cells are regulated by hormones, significantly low levels of hormones can cause poor growth.

*Blockage: There can obstruction of the flow of semen through the Male reproductive tract at any level.
This blockage can be caused by defects from birth, male reproductive organ surgeries or recurrent infections.

*Varicoceles: These are swollen veins in the scrotum.They are similar to varicose veins you might see on your leg.
Varicoceles commonly affect both s***m quality and production, although, not all varicoceles affect s***m production.

*Retrograde ej*******on: Certain conditions such as surgery, drugs,health problems can cause backward flow of semen into the bladder rather than out of the p***s.
This can be noted from passing cloudy urine after ej*******on or having dry or less fluid ej*****te.

*Medications: certain drugs used in treating other health conditions can alter the production, function and delivery of s***m.

19/08/2020

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BABY'S S*X

Male s***m cells are either X or Y. Female egg cell is always X.

If X-S***m cell meets the egg (X), baby will be Girl (XX). If Y-S***m cell meets the egg (X), baby will be Boy (XY). You can select the s*x of your baby.

X-S***m cells move slowly but survive longer (up to 3-4days).

Y-S***m cells move faster but also die faster (lifespan about 24 hrs).

So if you have s*x some days before ovulation, most of the Y-S***m cells would have died, leaving mostly X-S***m cells to fertilize the egg.

Here's a simple way to calculate your ovulation period;

1. From the first day you see the blood of your period, pick up a calendar & count 15 DAYS forward (including the first day of the blood stain).

2. Mark the 15th day with a pen.

3. Mark 3 days before the 15th day.

4. Mark 3 days after the 15th day.

You will see you have 7 days marked in all, which are your ovulation period, FERTILE DAYS or "unsafe period". L

'Unsafe' coz if you have s*x on any of these days, you have 98% chances of getting pregnant.

5. Do this every month diligently.

For Example;

If your period was 11th August, 15 days after the first day of the blood stain will be on 25 (i.e. 2 wks)

3 days before the 15th day would be 22, 23 & 24.

3 days after 25th August would be 26, 27 & 28.

So, 22 to 28 August (7days) is when you're ovulating.

Let me repeat; this period when you're ovulating is your fertile period. Any s*xual contact during this period can form a pregnancy.

Don't forget, the 4 days mentioned earlier should remind you that s***m stays in the female body for about 4 days.

To summarize:

If you want a BABY GIRL, have
s*x between 3 days before your ovulation (i.e. 22 to 24th from our example).

Female s***ms (X) swim slowly but can stay inside a woman's body for days without dying off.

If you want a BABY BOY, have s*x on the main ovulation day & 3 days after ovulation (i.e. 26 to 28th from our example).

Male s***ms (Y) swim very fast but will get weak & die off if it finds no egg to fertilize, leaving female X to finish the job.

Remember, ovulation means your egg is ready to be fertilized. Here are major signs that your ovulation has started.

1. Headache
2. High body temperature
3. Dizziness
4. Feeling tired & sleepy
5. Breast tenderness
6. Breast fullness

Here's a simple, natural way to select the s*x of your baby. It might not be 100% exact always. But studies have shown it works.

- First Doctor

07/10/2019

FAINTING OR SLUMPING IN THE BATHROOM

🖑 What is the cause?

☝ We always hear of people who have stroke after a fall in the bath.
🖑 Why have we not heard of falling elsewhere?
👊 When I took part in a healthy lifestyle course, a National Sports Council Professor, who also participated in the course, advised that:
👉 the head should not be washed first in the process of taking a bath (even washing of the hair).
👉 other parts of the body should be cleaned first.
🖑 This is because when the head is wet and cold, blood will flow to the head to warm it up.
👉 If the blood vessels narrow, it is likely to cause the blood vessels to rupture.
🖑 Since it usually happens in the bathroom, be sure to raise your awareness to avoid this happening again.

CORRECT PROCESS OF BATH TAKING:
👉 Start the wetness from the sole of the foot.
👉 Progress to the Small legs, the thigh, abdomen and then shoulder.
🖑 At this point, pause for 5-10 seconds.
👉 A feeling like steam/wind overflowing from the body may be observed; and then take a shower as usual.

✅ WISDOM:
☝ When a glass is filled with hot water, and then suddenly emptied and filled with cold water; what happens?
👉 The glass will burst💥!!!
🚿 Then, with regards to the human body, what happens?
🖑 Naturally, the body temperature is very hot, whereas the water is very cold,
👉 a cold shower on the body or the head directly would suddenly trap the wind, or deaden it, because the blood vessels got broken.

🖑 Oh, this is why people often suddenly fall over in the bathroom; due to wrong bathing method. And that often cause a stroke or cause a migraine.

ADVICE:
🚿This bathing method is suitable for all ages, especially those with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Migraine/Headache

🖑 Please don't only just get enlightened by this; share it... if you don't mind.

05/06/2019

When To Eat Fruit
Very informative... Read this....It could save your life!
We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.
FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.
FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.
Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so. In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil. So, please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals!
You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc. - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!
Greying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.
There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.
When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.
But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!
KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fibre. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.
ORANGE: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.
WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.
GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fibre, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.
Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can you believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup, tea or warm water after a meal, much like Asians do.
HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!)
Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.
A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this just sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
If you pass this on, you may help others save time, money and their health. Please use the 'SHARE' button (lower left) to email to friends, or share this message with your 'social network.' Thanks!

30/03/2019

RHESUS FACTOR INCOMPATIBILITY A LEADING CAUSE OF MISCARRIAGE!
(MUST READ)

Rhesus Factor is an antigen that exists on the surface of red blood cells in most people (about 85% of humans). It is also referred to as Rh Factor. People who have the Rh have “positive” (+) blood types, such as A+, O+ or B+ are said to be rhesus Factor positive, while those who have the Rh “negative” (-) blood types, such as A–, O– or AB– are said to be rhesus factor negative . The “+” and “-” in front of the blood group is the Rhesus factor. Generally, we have A+, A–, B+, B–, AB+, AB–, O+ and O–. Rhesus factor is genetic in nature. It is inherited from the parents, emphatically the father.

How does Rhesus Factor cause miscarriage?

If a Rh– woman is impregnated by a man with Rh–, there wouldn’t be any problem. However, if a Rh– woman is impregnated by a man with Rh+, there would be a problem if the baby inherits Rh+ from the father . We have here what is medically called Rhesus Factor Incompatibility. The baby would obviously be Rh+. During child birth, once the baby’s Rh+ comes in contact with the woman Rh- during delivery, the antibodies are immediately activated by the woman’s body’s immune system.

The activated antibodies would see the new Rh+ as foreign body or a threat and consequently they would be at alert to attack and get rid of the foreign body. Unfortunately as such, after this particular child birth, the woman would keep having miscarriages because the activated antibodies would see subsequent Rh+ pregnancies as foreign bodies and would keep fighting and taking them off.

Women with Rh activated antibodies are said to be Rh sensitized and once these antibodies are activated , they can never be deactivated until the woman dies. Rh induced antibodies are activated in a Rh- woman by child birth, abortion, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

If a Rh– woman commits an abortion for a Rh+ man and the antibodies are activated in her system, the woman might end up childless throughout her life except if she later marries another man with with the same Rh–. The possibility of a Rh– woman finding a Rh– man is slim as about 85% of human beings are Rh+. This is a warning to our young girls who commits abortions all in the name of boyfriend-girlfriend relationships.

If you’re a woman with Rh– and your fiance is Rh+, and you haven’t committed abortion for him and you don’t want to leave him, then, you need to take note of the following:

In order to prevent the activation of the antibodies, doctors would give women in this category an injection called Rhogam during and after pregnancy to prevent spontaneous abortion due to Rhesus factor incompatibility. The injection is normally administered 28 weeks into pregnancy, 72 hours after delivery, after ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion. If the injection is not administered and the antibodies are activated, they would never be deactivated again!

In many African cultures up till today, women who are so unfortunate to find themselves having serial spontaneous abortions due to Rhesus factor incompatibility are considered witches by some of their people. Some of the women would accuse their in-laws of being behind their predicament.

So, if you’re a woman with Rh– , you need to be very careful. It might be difficult for you to get a husband with a Rh– because about 85% of human beings are Rh+. So, in order not to find yourself in the aforementioned problem, put all that have been said at the back of your mind and go for genetic counselling. If you have a daughter or a sister with Rh–, counsel them on Rhesus Factor Incompatibility and the dangers lying therein.

It should also be noted that a Rh– person(man or woman) cannot receive blood donation from a Rh+ person even if they have the same blood group. The consequence of such blood transfusion is fatal. It would lead to death as the blood would clot. This is due to the incompatibility in their Rhesus factor.

Know your Rhesus factor today!

14/01/2019

MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND OVULATION PERIOD...

Most girls don't understand this because of much heavy grammar used to teach it, and we don't listen to our body too. I read, I started listening to my body for signs and I arrived at the simple analysis/steps........

👉MENSTRUAL PERIOD:The time blood flows out of your private area, when you use pad.
👉MENSTRUAL CYCLE: Days it takes to see another blood in the month. If you last saw your period in June 11th and it started again on July 10th 2017, then you have 30days cycle (count from 11 June to 10 July).
NOTE: It is erroneous to believe its 28days cycle, different women have different cycles ranging from 21-35 days.

👉OVULATION PERIOD: This is time to get pregnant without stress. This is 2 weeks after your period or 2 weeks before the next period.
Here's a simple way to calculate your ovulation (unsafe) period.

1. From the first day you see the blood of your period.
2. Pick up a calendar and count 15 days including the first day of the blood stain.
3. Mark the 15th day with a pen.
4. Mark 3 days before the 15th day, and mark 3 days after the 15th day.
6. You will notice you have 7 days marked.
These 7 days are your ovulation/fertile days also known as unsafe period.
That is if you have s*x on any of these days, then you have 98% chances of being pregnant.
7. Do this every month diligently

EVERY OTHER DAY IS YOUR SAFE PERIOD.
For example:

1. If your period is 11th July, 2017,
2. 15 days after the first day of the blood stain will be on 25th of this July too (2weeks after) counting from 11th.
3. 15th day is on the 25th July 2017.
4. 3days before the 15th day is 22, 23, 24.
5. 3days after 25th July 2017 is 26,27,28.
6. 22-28th July (7days) is when you are ovulating. It is your fertile period.
**Don't forget that the 7 days is a reminder that s***m stays in the female body for about 7 days. Any s*xual contact in between ovulation period will form something that has ears, eyes, etc.
ALSO......
If you want a baby girl, have
s*x between 3 days before ovulation (22- 24th) 2017.

For a baby boy on the main ovulation day and 3 days after 25th...........
MAJOR SIGNS THAT YOUR OVULATION HAS BEGAN...

You don't need a doctor, just relax. After 2 weeks you may feel the following:
1. Headache.
2. High body temperature.
3. Dizziness (feeling of tiredness and sleepiness).
4. Breast tenderness/ size increases just like when you are menstruating.
5. Increased s*x drive.
6. Light cramps or pain on one side of the pelvis.
7. Abdominal bloating.
8. Heightened sense of smell, taste or vision (you eat more).
9. Va**na mucus becomes slippery (if you notice, put it in between fingers...it stretches like thick catarrh or snail mucus...colorless like egg white. ..........
N/B: The instance here is for ladies with 30 days cycle. And someone who saw her period in July 2017. If yours is 28, then it's 14 days and not 15 days.
**
If you have headache without a cause, check back to when your period started. You can drink both malt and peak milk....don't run to the pharmacist always on issues that can be naturally handled, because drugs are not always good on girls. Or you can take only paracetamol.
👉MEN, read and educate your wives and sisters, most don't know this.

16/09/2018

1: Number of Bones 206
2: Number of Muscles 639
3: Number of Kidneys 2
4: Number of Milk Teeth 20
5: Number of Ribs 24 (12 pair)
6: Number of Heart Chamber 4
7: Largest artery Aorta
8: Normal blood pressure 120/80mmHg
9: Ph of Blood 7.4
10: Number of vertebrae in the Spine 33
11: Number of vertebrae in the Neck 7
12: Number of Bones in Middle Ear 6
13: Number of Bones in Face 14
14: Number of Bones in Skull 22
15: Number of Bones in Chest 25
16: Number of Bones in Arms 6
17: Number of Muscles in Human Arm 72
18: Number of Pumps in Heart 2
19: Largest Organ Skin
20: Largest gland Liver
21: Biggest cell female O**m
22: Smallest cell male S***m
23: Smallest Bone Stapes
24: First transplanted Organ Heart
25: Average length of Small Intestine 7m
26: Average length of Large Intestine 1.5m
27: Average weight of new Born baby 2.6kg
28: Pulse rate in One Minute 72 times
29: Normal body temperature 37 C° (98.4 F°)
30: Average Blood Volume 4 to 5 liters
31: Life Span of RBC 120 days
32: Life Span of WBC 10 to 15 days
33: Pregnancy Period 280 days (40 week)
34: Number of Bones in Human Foot 33
35: Number of Bones in Each wrist 8
36: Number of Bones in Hand 27
37: Largest Endocrine gland Thyroid
38: Largest Lymphatic Organ Spleen
39: Largest part of Brain Cerebrum
40: Largest & Strongest Bone Femur
41: Smallest Muscle Stapedius (Middle Ear)
41: Number of Chromosome 46 (23 pair)
42: Number of Bones in new Born baby 305
43: Viscosity of Blood 4.5 to 5.5
44: Universal Donor Blood Group O
45: Universal Recipient Blood Group AB
46: Largest WBC Monocyte
47: Smallest WBC Lymphocyte
48: Increase RBC count called Polycethemia
49: Blood Bank in the Body is Spleen
50: Non Nucleated Blood cell is RBC
51: RBC produced in the Bone Marrow
52: River of Life is Called Blood
53: Normal Blood Cholesterol level 250mg/dl
54: Fluid part of Blood is Plasma
55: Normal Blood Sugar 100mg/dl

27/08/2018

LEUKAEMIA: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. 27-08-2018

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Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Leukemia begins in a cell in the bone marrow. The cell undergoes a change and becomes a type of leukemia cell. Once the marrow cell undergoes a leukemic change, the leukemia cells may grow and survive better than normal cells. Over time, the leukemia cells crowd out or suppress the development of normal cells. The rate at which leukemia progresses and how the cells replace the normal blood and marrow cells are different with each type of leukemia.

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults.
Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.

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Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:

•Fever or chills
•Persistent fatigue, weakness
•Frequent or severe infections
•Losing weight without trying
•Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
•Easy bleeding or bruising
•Recurrent nosebleeds
•Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
•Excessive sweating, especially at night
•Bone pain or tenderness

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Scientists are yet to understand the exact causes of leukemia. It seems to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

In general, leukemia is thought to occur when some blood cells acquire mutations in their DNA — the instructions inside each cell that guide its action. There may be other changes in the cells that have yet to be fully understood that could contribute to leukemia.

Certain abnormalities cause the cell to grow and divide more rapidly and to continue living when normal cells would die. Over time, these abnormal cells can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to fewer healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, causing the signs and symptoms of leukemia.

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The major types of leukemia are:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). This is the most common type of leukemia in young children. ALL can also occur in adults.

•Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a common type of leukemia. It occurs in children and adults. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.

•Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). With CLL, the most common chronic adult leukemia, you may feel well for years without needing treatment.

•Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This type of leukemia mainly affects adults. A person with CML may have few or no symptoms for months or years before entering a phase in which the leukemia cells grow more quickly.

•Other types. Other, rarer types of leukemia exist, including hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders.

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Factors that may increase your risk of developing some types of leukemia include:

•Previous cancer treatment. People who've had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers have an increased risk of developing certain types of leukemia.

•Genetic disorders. Genetic abnormalities seem to play a role in the development of leukemia. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia.

•Exposure to certain chemicals. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene — which is found in gasoline and is used by the chemical industry — is linked to an increased risk of some kinds of leukemia.

•Smoking. Smoking ci******es increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia.

•Family history of leukemia. If members of your family have been diagnosed with leukemia, your risk of the disease may be increased.

However, most people with known risk factors don't get leukemia. And many people with leukemia have none of these risk factors.

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•Physical exam. Your doctor will look for physical signs of leukemia, such as pale skin from anemia, swelling of your lymph nodes, and enlargement of your liver and spleen.

•Blood tests. By looking at a sample of your blood, your doctor can determine if you have abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets — which may suggest leukemia.

•Bone marrow test. Your doctor may recommend a procedure to remove a sample of bone marrow from your hipbone. The bone marrow is removed using a long, thin needle. The sample is sent to a laboratory to look for leukemia cells. Specialized tests of your leukemia cells may reveal certain characteristics that are used to determine your treatment options.

:

Treatment for your leukemia depends on many factors. Your doctor determines your leukemia treatment options based on your age and overall health, the type of leukemia you have, and whether it has spread to other parts of your body, including the central nervous system.

Common treatments used to fight leukemia include:

•Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the major form of treatment for leukemia. This drug treatment uses chemicals to kill leukemia cells.
Depending on the type of leukemia you have, you may receive a single drug or a combination of drugs. These drugs may come in a pill form, or they may be injected directly into a vein.

•Biological therapy. Biological therapy works by using treatments that help your immune system recognize and attack leukemia cells.
Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific vulnerabilities within your cancer cells.

For example, the drug imatinib (Gleevec) stops the action of a protein within the leukemia cells of people with chronic myelogenous leukemia. This can help control the disease.

•Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses X-rays or other high-energy beams to damage leukemia cells and stop their growth. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a large machine moves around you, directing the radiation to precise points on your body.
You may receive radiation in one specific area of your body where there is a collection of leukemia cells, or you may receive radiation over your whole body. Radiation therapy may be used to prepare for a stem cell transplant.

•Stem cell transplant. A stem cell transplant is a procedure to replace your diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

Before a stem cell transplant, you receive high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy your diseased bone marrow. Then you receive an infusion of blood-forming stem cells that help to rebuild your bone marrow.

You may receive stem cells from a donor, or in some cases you may be able to use your own stem cells. A stem cell transplant is very similar to a bone marrow transplant.

For Coping and Support or proper Diagnosis, visit our Centre, Step1 Medical Diagnostic Services, Owerri, Imo State. OR Call our Customer Care Representative: 0812 436 7239

Compiled By:
Orator Ifeanyi
(From the Public Relations Office, Step1 Medical Diagnostic Services, Imo State).

19/06/2018

*WOES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM*
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyriod, happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This has an impact throughout the body. The thyroid gland is located in the neck which has a butterfly shape. The hormones that it produces and releases into the blood stream control the body's growth and metabolism.
Too much hormone can affect many functions in the body hence there are several possible causes and a wide range of potential symptoms. It usually begins slowly, but, in younger people, onset can be sudden.

HISTORY
Around 1.2 percent of people in the United States (U.S.) have an overactive thyroid. It affects women more than men and is most likely to occur over the age of 60 years. Without treatment, hyperthyroidism can seriously affect different bodily functions, including the heart. However, medication can normally control it by reducing thyroid hormone production.

CAUSES
Several factors can cause hyperthyroidism.
-Graves' disease: This is the most common cause, and it accounts for over 70 percent of cases. It is an autoimmune condition. It is unclear what triggers Graves' disease, but it often runs in families, suggesting a genetic basis. Grave's disease is most common in women aged 20 to 40 years and especially smokers. It can affect the eyes, causing discomfort and double vision. Patients commonly have eyes that protrude.
-Nodular thyroid disease: Lumps, known as nodules, develop in the thyroid gland. It is unclear why they develop. They may contain abnormal thyroid tissue, but they are usually benign, or noncancerous. They affect the regular function of the thyroid, causing overactive thyroid. The thyroid may become enlarged, but there is no pain. Someone with nodules may feel them with the fingertips.
-Excessive iodine intake: the thyroid gland removes iodine from the blood. Iodine comes from foods such as seafood, bread, and salt. The thyroid gland uses the iodine to produce thyroid hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).Taking additional iodine in supplements can cause the thyroid gland to produce too much of the hormones.
-Intake Of Thyroid Hormones: Patients who are receiving thyroid hormones as a treatment need to follow up regularly with their doctor to make sure they are taking the right dose of thyroid medication.
-Medication: Some medications used in the treatment of heart problems contain a large amount of iodine. They may trigger changes in thyroid function. Options include amiodarone and lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder
-Thyroditis: An inflammation of the thyroid that often results from a viral infection. Symptoms include fever , sore throat, painful swallowing, generalized aches, and pains in the neck.
-Follicular thyroid cancer: In rare cases, overactive thyroid can be caused by thyroid cancer. The malignant cells may start producing thyroxine or triiodothyronine.

SYMPTOMS
The thyroid gland is vital for regulating hormones around the body. Symptoms are wide ranging, and they vary between people. Patients with mild hyperthyroidism are often unaware that they have it because there are no symptoms hence, most symptoms are related to the increase in metabolic rate.
They include:
*Swelling in the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter
*Nervousness, irritability, mood swings, and decreased concentration
*Diarrhea
*Difficulty in breathing
*Fatigue , tiredness, and difficulty sleeping
*Muscle weakness
*Hyperactivity
*Oversensitivity to heat, excessive sweating and warm damp skin
*Increased appetite
*Increased bowel movement and urination
*Infertility and a loss of interest in s*x
*Itchy skin with raised itchy swellings (urticarcia)
*Nails become loose
*Menstrual problems in women, especially lighter periods
*Alopecia where hair is lost in patches
*Accelerated heartbeat, sometimes with palpitations
*Redness on the palms of the hands
*Sudden weight loss or gain
*Trembling and shaky hands
Symptoms vary between individuals and patients rarely have all these symptoms. Patients with diabetes may experience heightened diabetes symptoms such as fatique and increased thirst. Those with heart disease have a higher risk of arrhythmia, a heart failure and other cardiovascular risks.
When in a hyper metabolic state, they may experience a rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hand tremor.

The following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
-dizziness
-shortness of breath
-loss of consciousness
-fast and irregular heart rate
Hyperthyroidism can also cause atrial fibrillation, a dangerous arrhythmia that can lead to strokes, as well as congestive heart failure.

DIAGNOSIS
The doctor will ask about symptoms, perform a physical examination, and possibly order blood tests. Advanced hyperthyroidism is normally easy to diagnose because the signs are clear, but diagnosis is less obvious in the early stages.
Throid Function Test(TFT): A blood test, known as a thyroid function test , can show how well the thyroid gland is working. The test checks for levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). These tests measure how much thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) is in your blood.
-Cholesterol test: there is need to check cholesterol levels. Low cholesterol can be a sign of an elevated metabolic rate, in which your body is burning through cholesterol quickly.
-Thyroid stimulating hormone level test: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a pituitary gland hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones. When thyroid hormone levels are normal or high, your TSH should be lower. An abnormally low TSH can be the first sign of hyperthyroidism.
-Triglyceride test: triglyceride level may also be tested which is similar to low cholesterol, low triglycerides can be a sign of an elevated metabolic rate.
-Thyroid scan: This allows the doctor to see if the thyroid is overactive.In particular, it can reveal whether the entire thyroid or just a single area of the gland is causing the overactivity.
-Ultrasound: Ultrasounds can measure the size of the entire thyroid gland, as well as any masses within it.
-CT or MRI scans: a CT or MRI can show if a pituitary tumor is present that is causing the condition.

MEDICATION
*Antithyroid drugs:
This may be prescribed to to treat hyperthyroidism by blocking the thyroid gland’s ability to make new thyroid hormone. These include Methimazole (Carbimazole is the pro-drug of methimazole) or in rare instances propylthiouracil (PTU). Methimazole is more of the preferred choice due to less severe side effects. Drugs in this class work well to control the overactive thyroid, bring quick control of hyperthyroidism and do not cause permanent damage to the thyroid gland. However, antithyroid drugs may cause allergic reactions (about 5% of patients) resulting in red skin rashes, hives, fever and joint pains. A rare but serious side effect of antithyroid drugs is a decrease in the number of white blood cells, resulting in a lowering of resistance to infection. Thus, it is always important to advice patients on antithyroid drugs to alert their doctor immediately when they experience fever or sore throat, which may indicate the presence of infection. Liver damage is another very rare side effect. Hence, always advice patients to alert the doctor immediately if they notice any yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, severe fatigue or abdominal pain.
*Radioactive iodine:
This treatment method involves damaging or destroying the thyroid cells that make thyroid hormone. As these cells need iodine to make thyroid hormone, they will take up any form of iodine in the bloodstream, regardless if it is radioactive or not. The radioactive iodine used in this treatment is administered by mouth (capsule) and is taken just once. Radioactive iodine gets into the bloodstream and is quickly taken up by overactive thyroid cells. Radioactive iodine that is not taken up by thyroid cells will disappear from the body within days. During this period of several weeks to several months, radioactive iodine destroys the cells that have taken it up. As a result, the thyroid shrink in size and the level of thyroid hormone in the blood returns to normal. A second radioactive iodine treatment can be given if patient is still hyperthyroid after the first treatment.
*PRECAUTION* radioiodine treatment is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 6 months after treatment, and men should not father a child for at least 4 months. Patients may find it useful to avoid food and other products that are high in iodine, such as seaweed and some cough medicines and multivitamins.
*Surgery:
Hyperthyroidism can be permanently cured by surgical removal of most of the thyroid gland. As a pre-operation preparation, the hyperthyroidism must first be controlled by an antithyroid drug or a beta-blocking drug. For some days before surgery, some patients may be given drops of non radioactive iodine, which will help to reduce the blood supply to the thyroid gland, hence making the surgery easier and safer. It is very likely that individuals who opt for thyroid removal surgery will develop hypothyroidism, which again, can be managed by thyroid hormone supplement. Section or all of the thyroid gland may be surgically removed if other treatments are not possible, for instance, during pregnancy, or cancer.
*Beta-Blockers:
This may be an additional drug on top of any of the above mentioned. It acts by blocking the action of thyroid hormone in the body. Beta-blockers usually has a fast onset, making a hyperthyroid patient feel better within hours.
However, Beta-blockers do NOT change the high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. It is exceptionally useful in slowing down the heart rate and reducing symptoms of palpitations, shakes and nervousness until other forms of treatment as a chance to take effect. Also, beta-blockers such as propranolol can help control the rapid pulse, sweating, anxiety and high blood pressure. Hence, most people respond well to this treatment.

ADVICE
1) DIET: There is no special diet that can resolve a thyroid disorder. However, reducing the intake of excessive iodine in the diet and avoiding iodine supplements can help to stop thyroid activity becoming more imbalanced.
A balanced diet can help to preserve thyroid health. If you are choosing to take supplements, be sure to ask your doctor for advice on how much to take and which supplements will be best for you without affecting thyroid
activity.
2) PREGNANCY: A women with an overactive thyroid who wants to become pregnant should seek treatment for their hyperthyroidism first .
During pregnancy, thyroid hormone levels will rise slightly. Women with an overactive thyroid may find that their thyroid enlarges slightly during pregnancy. Some women who are susceptible but have not been diagnosed before may have a slightly hyperactive thyroid during pregnancy.
Severe, untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy has been linked to spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, maternal high blood pressure , and heart problems. If the mother has a thyroid problem, the newborn should be
checked for thyroid function, as these can have a profound effect on brain development. Women who are receiving treatment before pregnancy will
continue to receive the same therapy, but their medication may need adjusting as thyroxine dose requirements usually increase. Levothyroxine is safe to take during pregnancy, as it has the same characteristics as the natural hormone. However, it should be taken 2 to 3 hours apart from any
prenatal vitamins, because iron and calcium may interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone.
A woman should ensure her hyperthyroidism is under control before becoming pregnant. With appropriate treatment, most pregnancies can be expected to progress normally.
3) IF you have a fever or sorethroat that does not go away while taking medication, alert your doctor immediately. It may be a sign of infection due to your lowered immunity.
4) If you notice darkening of your urine to a tea colored color, yellow eyes and skin, several fatigue or unexplained abdominal pain, please alert your doctor immediately. It may be a sign of liver damage.
5) If you have any sudden change in weight (increased or decreased) or sudden increased sensitivity to temperature or even sudden change in appetite without explanation (for example not after exercise and not after missing meals), please alert your doctor. It may be a sign that the medication is either not suitable for you or it is not given at an optimum dose. If this is your first time taking this medication,please look out for signs of hypersensitivity or allergy such as rashes around the face and the eyes, swelling on your face or difficulty breathing. If any of these signs occur, stop the medication immediately and alert your doctor.

RECOMMENDATION
Hyperthyroidism may also run in the family. Hence, we recommend you to have your family members to go for regular medical check ups to check for hyperthyroidism in order to detect any thyroid related conditions as early as possible to allow optimum and effective management.

CONCLUSION
The severity of hyperthyroidism and its symptoms depend on how well the body is able to react to the changes that result from the excess thyroid hormones, and how well patients follow their treatment plan. Hyperthyroidism is a life threatnening reaction hence it requires emergency medical treatment once any of the above symptoms occurs.
*STAY HEALTHY*
Compiled By: Princess Kachi
From the Public Relations Office Step 1 Medical diagnostic services Imo State.

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