Symptoms such as hyperactivity, weight loss, and exophthalmos are indicative of which condition?

Prepare for the PAEA Pediatrics EOR Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The symptoms of hyperactivity, weight loss, and exophthalmos are indicative of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to an increased metabolic rate. This heightened metabolism can cause symptoms such as weight loss due to increased energy expenditure and hyperactivity as individuals often experience restlessness and an inability to concentrate.

Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is a characteristic feature specifically associated with Graves' disease, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The autoimmune nature of Graves' disease can lead to inflammation and swelling of the tissues around the eyes, resulting in this distinctive manifestation.

In contrast, conditions like hypothyroidism typically present with weight gain, fatigue, and lethargy, while diabetes mellitus might involve polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue, but not necessarily the hyperactivity or exophthalmos. Addison's disease, characterized by adrenal insufficiency, generally leads to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and weight loss, but the symptom profile does not include hyperactivity or exophthalmos. Thus, the presence of hyperactivity, weight loss, and exophthalmos strongly points to hyperthyroidism.

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