Causes, symptoms, and management of thyroid eye disease

Causes, symptoms, and management of thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes, causing inflammation and damage to the tissues, muscles, and connective and fatty tissues in the region. Also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or Graves’ orbitopathy, TED typically develops in those with Graves’ disease—an autoimmune disorder causing overactivity of the thyroid gland. But TED can also develop in those with other thyroid disorders and even those without any such dysfunction.

Causes
Here are a few causes and risk factors of TED:

Gender: Hyperthyroidism develops more in women than men, so as a result, thyroid eye disease also is more common among women than men—16 cases per 100,000 women and 2.9 per 100,000 men.

Genetics: This plays an important role in the incidence of TED. Those with the condition may carry the genes for it or could have a genetic susceptibility to it. Someone predisposed to this disease may only experience symptoms once the condition is triggered due to certain circumstances.

Selenium deficiency: Individuals with low levels of the mineral selenium in their blood are also at risk of developing this disease.

Graves’ disease: The immune system of those with Graves’ disease creates an abnormal antibody called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin that mimics the function of the thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland. These abnormal antibodies affect the cells surrounding the eyes, causing the symptoms associated with TED.

Other autoimmune conditions: Those dealing with other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes are also susceptible to developing TED.

Environmental factors: Stress, infections, and hormonal fluctuations could also trigger or worsen TED symptoms in those who are predisposed to getting this disease.

Symptoms
Here are a few common symptoms of TED:

– Bulging eyes or staring eyes (exophthalmos)
– Undereye bags
– Eye redness, irritation, and a feeling of grittiness like sand in the eyes
– Diplopia or double vision
– Swelling, inflammation, and difficulty closing the eyes
– Sensitivity to light
– Eye pain associated with eye movement
– Blurred vision
– Reduced vision
– Delayed movement of the eyelid or lid lag
– Restricted eye movements
– Dry eyes
– Watery eyes

Management options
Controlling and managing thyroid dysfunction—hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism—is a priority when managing TED. Additionally, the following options can help:

– As TED causes dry eyes and a gritty feeling, lubricating the eyes with eye drops or ointments can help relieve dryness and irritation.

– Protecting eyes with appropriate eyewear can help alleviate discomfort from light sensitivity and pollution. If one of the symptoms is difficulty in closing the eyes completely, wearing an eye patch at night can help reduce corneal exposure.

– Applying warm compresses to the eyes can help with the pain, reduce swelling, and reduce the feeling of dryness by promoting tear production.

– Keeping the head higher than the body reduces swelling and pressure around the eyes when lying down. The elevated position helps improve lymphatic drainage and reduce fluid retention in the orbital tissues.

– As TED can cause double vision, a healthcare provider could recommend prism glasses.

– Additionally, stress management techniques and nutritional counseling can help in managing the condition and its symptoms.

Nevertheless, a licensed healthcare provider should always be consulted for the management of thyroid eye disease so it can be tailored to individual needs.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

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5 natural remedies for relief from sinus congestion

Sinus congestion can make one uncomfortable, cause headaches, interfere with sleep, and prevent easy breathing. To relieve this, many natural and at-home remedies are available that don’t require much effort or cost money. These remedies help loosen mucus in the sinus passages and allow for faster draining. Viruses, allergens, and bacteria are the most common causes of sinus congestion, and here are five natural remedies for it. Water Staying hydrated is one of the first things one should do in the case of sinus congestion. Water helps dilute the mucus secretion and allows for easier drainage. Drinking adequate amounts of fluids like water, hot tea, clear soups, and herbal teas can provide relief and help the mucus membrane function efficiently. Avoid anything with caffeine, as it can be dehydrating. Focus on nourishing beverages and soothing drinks.  Steam inhalation is also an effective natural remedy for relief from sinus congestion. It warms up and moisturizes the sinus passageways, allowing the mucus to be easily drained. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus can help with congestion. Warm compress Placing a warm compress on the nose, forehead, cheeks, and eyes can help relieve the pressure and discomfort in the nasal passage. One could also soak a towel in warm water, squeeze the excess, and drape it over the face. This will help keep the mucus membranes moist and help it function properly. Sinus irrigation This method involves flushing out the nasal passages with saline solution, essentially forcing the clogged-up mucus to drain out. It is important to use sterile salt water to rinse the sinus passageways. A squeeze bottle or a neti pot can be used for this purpose. To do this, one must lean over a basin or sink and pour or squirt the saline solution into one nostril. Tilt the head so it flows out the other nostril and clears the passageways of irritants and bacteria. Elevate the head while sleeping To aid in clearing sinus blockages, one should elevate the head while sleeping to prevent buildup over the course of the night. Tucking an extra pillow or two under the head should do the trick. Keeping the head elevated is essential because if one lies flat, the mucus could pool back instead of drain. If needed, a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can be placed by the bed to thin the mucus and allow it to drain easily. Include natural decongestants in meals Drinking enough fluids, using a warm compress, and sinus irrigation can all be supplemented by eating the right foods. Some foods are natural decongestants, and adding these to one’s meals can help nourish the body while successfully draining mucus from the nasal passages.  Spicy foods Capsaicin, a compound found in spicy foods, can irritate the mucous membrane and cause it to water, resulting in softening and removing any nasal obstruction.  Pineapple The enzyme called bromelain found in pineapple can break up sinus mucus and help reduce inflammation and swelling. Ginger Ginger fights sinus inflammation and can clear out the phlegm, if any, from the throat.  Chicken soup This is a well-known remedy for a blocked nose and congested sinuses. Hot chicken soup should be the go-to meal when suffering from congestion. The steam from the hot soup and the type of amino acid cysteine found in chicken helps with the draining of mucus.

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