Essay Sample on List of Appropriate Differential Diagnoses

Hypothyroidism is one of the conditions that can display the above clinical picture. This is a condition whereby there is a reduced function of the thyroid gland in the production of thyroid hormones. Clinically, hypothyroidism has been linked to a decrease in body metabolic rate and thermogenesis. This correlates to increased body mass index (BMI) of individuals hence increased prevalence of obesity. According to Drake, (2018), subclinical dysfunction of the thyroid gland is linked to changes in body weight posing a risk for one being overweight or even obese.

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Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland as a result of various factors autoimmune response being one of them. This may predispose one to hypothyroidism, which is secondary to weight gain making one grow obese.

Hashimoto disease is also known as lymphatic thyroiditis. The immune system attacks the thyroid tissues leading to inflammation and under activity of the thyroid gland (Drake, 2018). Therefore, clinically, a person presents with signs and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism such as unexplained weight gain.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, often leading to its swelling. However, the swelling is accompanied by pain and difficulty in urination.

What is the Final Diagnosis and What Assessment Findings Serve to Support This?

Evan Tyson may be suffering from hypothyroidism. This is evident from the clinical finds of being overweight and having a high BMI of 29.3, which is above the normal range of 18.5-24.9. The condition is even made worse by his inactive lifestyle and irregular participation in physical exercises.

Discuss Normal versus Abnormal Findings

Normally TSH ranges between 0.4- 4.0mili international units per liter. In the case of underactivity of the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism, the TSH ranges above the normal value. Optimal lipid profile ranges below 100mg/dl. Above 200mg/dl is high; therefore, an indication of risk for developing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.

The Pathophysiology That May Lead Up To the Final Diagnoses

Thyroid hormones have a vital role to play in thermogenesis, basal metabolism, glucose and lipid metabolism, fat oxidation as well as food intake. Therefore, dysfunction of the thyroid leads to change in the body composition and weight as well as resting energy expenditure regardless of the physical activities. Reduced thyroid leads to the reduced breakdown of glucose and lipids to produce heat and energy. Meaning reduction in thyroid function causes alteration in energy expenditure. A lot of glucose and lipids are stored, increasing the weight and BMI of an individual.

Pharmacology Treatment Would You Recommend and Why?

Levothyroxine 12.5 mcg orally once a day on an empty stomach to prevent impairing food absorption (Salmela et al., 2016). This is to elevate the thyroid hormones in the body hence increase body metabolism.

Tamsulosin 0.4 mg orally once a day. This is going to aid in relaxation of prostate muscle hence reduce BPH.

References

Drake, M. T. (2018, September). Hypothyroidism in Clinical Practice. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 93, No. 9, pp. 1169-1172). Elsevier. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30193671

Salmela, P., Metso, S., Moilanen, L., Niskanen, L., Nuutila, P., & Schalin-Jantti, C. (2016). Treatment of primary hypothyroidism in adult patients. Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja, 132(1), 33-42. Retrieved from: http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/27044179