Hypothyroidism constipation

Myxedema is a severe hypothyroidism manifested by lethargy, apathy, memory impairment, emotional changes, slow speech, deep coarse voice, thick dry skin, cold intolerance, slow pulse, constipation, weight gain, and absence of menses. 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be ordered when thyroid dysfunction is suspected. Hypothyroidism may be responsible for constipation and related symptoms. 

Amiodarone Tremor, ataxia, pareslfresia, insomnia, corneal microdeposits, optic neuropathy/neuritis, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, TdP (<1%), bradycardia or AV block (IV and oral use), pulmonary fibrosis, liver function test abnormalities, hepatitis, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, photosensitivity, bluegray skin discoloration, hypotension (IV use), phlebitis (IV use)... 

Disorders of the GI tract (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis), metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), or endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism) may cause constipation. 

Ora/-Adverse reactions requiring discontinuation include Pulmonary infiltrates or fibrosis paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia CHF elevation of liver enzymes visual disturbances solar dermatitis blue discoloration of skin hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism. Adverse reactions occurring in at least 3% of patients include CFIF Gl complaints (nausea, vomiting, constipation, anorexia) dermatologic reactions (photosensitivity, solar dermatitis) neurologic problems (malaise, fatigue, tremor/abnormal involuntary movements, lack of coordination, abnormal gait/ataxia, dizziness, paresthesias) abnormal liver function tests. 

The hallmarks of infantile hypothyroidism (e.g., retardation of mental development and growth) become manifest only in later infancy and are largely irreversible. Consequently, early recognition and initiation of replacement therapy are crucial. In the absence of thyroid hormone therapy, the symptoms of infantile hypothyroidism include feeding problems, failure to thrive, constipation, a hoarse cry, and somnolence. In... 

In adults, the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include somnolence, slow mentation, dryness and loss of hair, increased fluid in body cavities (e.g., the pericardial sac), low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, hyperlipidemia, subnormal temperature, cold intolerance, bradycardia, reduced systolic and increased diastolic pulse pressure, hoarseness, muscle weakness, slow return of muscle to the neutral position after a tendon jerk, constipation, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and sometimes myxedema (hard edema of subcutaneous tissue with increased content of proteoglycans in the fluid). A goiter (i.e., enlargement of the thyroid gland) may be present. 

The adverse effect profile of thalidomide is extensive. The most important toxicity is teratogenesis. Because of this effect, thalidomide prescription and use is closely regulated by the manufacturer. Other adverse effects of thalidomide include peripheral neuropathy, constipation, rash, fatigue, hypothyroidism, and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. Thrombosis is sufficiently frequent, particularly in the hematologic malignancy population, that most patients are placed on some type of anticoagulant when thalidomide treatment is initiated. 

In TCM, hypothyroidism is considered a syndrome of Spleen-Qi deficiency and accumulation of dampness or damp-phlegm in the body. Although western drugs may help to keep thyroid hormone levels normal, symptoms such as tiredness, coldness, weight gain and constipation may still exist. In the differentiation of the syndrome, many patients still show signs of Spleen-Qi deficiency and accumulation of dampness in the body, therefore treatment should be given to tonify the Spleen-Qi, activate Qi movement and leach out dampness. 

Qll Constipation is a common problem in Western society. The incidence is generally highest in the elderly and lowest in young people. Some causes of constipation in addition to low-fibre diets include poor bowel habit-often the stimulus to empty the bowel is ignored hormone disturbances, for example hypothyroidism and diabetes intestinal nerve damage immobility... 

An 87-year-old woman, who took acarbose, glibencla-mide, and mannitol (for constipation), developed abdominal distention and loss of appetite. An X-ray showed distention of the small intestine, with pockets of small gas bubbles in the submucosal space. When her drugs were withdrawn, her symptoms subsided and the radiological evidence of ileus disappeared by 5 days. Although she had an atonic bladder, there were no signs of neuropathy. She was also hypothyroid, which could have contributed. 

Chronic therapy with amiodarone has been associated with pulmonary interstitial pneumonitis/alveolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and pulmonary fibrosis fatalities have resulted. Other side effects include elevated liver function tests, worsening of arrhythmias, onset of new arrhythmias, fatigue, tremor, involuntary movements, dizziness, paresthesias, difficulty in walking, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nausea, vomiting, constipation, anorexia, corneal... 

If an underlying disease is recognized as the cause of constipation, attempts should be made to correct it. GI malignancies may be removed via surgical resection. Endocrine and metabolic derangements should be corrected by the appropriate methods. For example, when hypothyroidism is the cause of constipation, cautious institution of thyroid-replacement therapy is the most important treatment measure. 

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry skin, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, and weakness. Complaints of lethargy and fatigue or loss of ambition and energy are also common but are less specific. Muscle cramps, myalgia, and stiffness are frequent complaints of hypothyroid patients. 

Hypothyroidism, when mild, can be subtle in its presentation. When severe, the signs are overt and the presentation is pathognomonic. The face is puffy and pallid, the skin is cold and dry, and the hair is coarse. The voice is husky, mentation is impaired, and depression may be present. The appetite is poor and constipation is common. The pulse is slow and a pericardial effusion may be present. Patients are lethargic and often complain of cold intolerance and weight gain. 

Clinical Features Several symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism may be mistaken with those presented by a euthyroid pregnant woman (asthenia, weight increase, drowsiness, constipation, etc.), although others may make the diagnosis doubtful (bradycardia, sensitivity to cold, dry skin) (Abalovich et al., 2006). In contrast, 70-80% of women with OH, and almost all SGH carriers, may remain asymptomatic. Thus, particular attention... 

A stool every 4 days indicates constipation and constipation is a sign of hypothyroidism. This indicates the medication is not effective. 

Causes of constipation in infants and children include functional constipation, neurogenic constipation [aganglionosis, hypoganglionosis, neuronal intestinal dysplasia (NID)], chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, disorders of the spinal cord, cerebral palsy, constipation secondary to anal fissures and strictures, neonatal hypothyroidism and drug induced constipation (Potter 1998). 

In a review of 15 studies in 481 patients given somatostatin analogues for gastroenteropan-creatic neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors, the most common adverse reactions (more than 1%) were gastrointestinal (abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, steatorrhea, and nausea) and injection site reactions [67 ]. Hypothyroidism and cholelithiasis were less frequent. Rare adverse reactions (< 1/1000) were acute pancreatitis, alopecia, acute hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, prolongation of the QT interval, and dysrhythmias. 

Central nervous system fatigue, fever, headache, insomnia, somnolence, psychosis, seizure Endocrine and metabolic hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia/hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, hypothyroidism Cardiovascular atrial fibrillation/flutter, hypertension/hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, CHF, edema, anaphylactic shock Gastrointestinal nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, stomatitis Genitourinary UTI... 

---