What is hyperthyroid?
Thyroid gland is located at the anterior neck. Its function is to produce thyroid hormone which help to promote the body’s metabolism. Hyperthyroid is a state in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone and causes symptoms such as dyspnea, palpitation, sweating, and weight loss.
What is radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine is a form of iodine that has radiation. Normally, the thyroid gland uses iodine in food to produce thyroid hormones. Radioactive iodine has beta particles that will destroy the thyroid gland if ingested. This redcues the thyroid gland overactivity and cures hyperthyroid.
How long will radioactive iodine stay in our body?
Radioactive iodine stays in the body for 1-2 weeks. Most radiation is not located in the thyroid gland and is excreted outside the body in the first 3 days. The radiation is excreted mainly in urine. Less radiation comes out via saliva, sweat, and feces.
How is the radioactive iodine treatment performed?
The patient will receive a capsule that contains radioactive iodine. The size is about a paracetamol tablet. The patient swallows the capule with water. The capsule has no taste. The radioactive iodine solution is not frequently used due to the risk of contamination. It will be used in case, the patient cannot swallow the capsule.
What are the effects of radioactive iodine treatment?
You will have high chance of permanent hypothyroid. However, hypothyroid can be more easily treated than hyperthyroid. You need to take thyroxine supplements for the rest of your life which is easy and safe.
Temporary side effects include neck discomfort and swelling, nausea, sialadenitis, loss of taste, dry mouth, and dry eye.
Some patients may develop progressive hyperthyroid after the radioactive iodine treatment, usually occuring 1-2 weeks. They may experience palpitation and dyspnea. The doctor can prescribe beta blockers and antithyroid drugs after the treatment.
The cancer risk of the radioactive iodine treatment is very low and can be negligible.
WASIT MD 
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