What is the principle of iodine-131 in treating hyperthyroidism?

Iodine 131 is a professional chemical name and an isotope of iodine. It is generally not produced in the natural environment. It is a product of nuclear fission created by humans. If it accumulates in the thyroid gland, it will cause certain harm to the human body. But now intelligent humans have learned to use iodine 131 to treat diseases such as hyperthyroidism. Now, let us understand the principle of iodine-131 in treating hyperthyroidism. The following are the details.

Radioactive iodine-131 was first used to treat hyperthyroidism in 1942 and is an effective antithyroid drug. Thyroid cells have a special affinity for iodide. After taking a certain amount of 131 iodine orally, it can be absorbed in large quantities by the thyroid gland, and the damaging radioactive 131 iodine can be implanted into the thyroid tissue. When 131 iodine decays into 131 xenon, it can emit beta rays (accounting for 99%) and gamma rays (accounting for 1%).

The effective range of the former is only 0.5~2 mm, and it can selectively destroy the thyroid alveolar epithelium without affecting the adjacent tissues. The thyroid tissue can be exposed to long-term concentrated irradiation, and the glands are gradually necrotic after being destroyed and replaced by non-functional connective tissue, thereby reducing the secretory function of the thyroid gland and curing hyperthyroidism, achieving a purpose similar to subtotal thyroidectomy. Therefore, some people call the treatment of hyperthyroidism with 131 iodine "medical thyroid surgery." Radioactive iodine-131 was first used to treat hyperthyroidism in 1942 and is an effective antithyroid drug. Thyroid cells have a special affinity for iodide

Hyperthyroidism

After taking a certain amount of 131 iodine orally, it can be absorbed by the thyroid gland in large quantities, and the damaging radioactive 131 iodine can be implanted into the thyroid tissue. When 131 iodine decays into 131 xenon, it can emit beta rays (accounting for 99%) and gamma rays (accounting for 1%).

The above is the principle by which humans use iodine 131 to treat hyperthyroidism. In order to achieve the best results in treating hyperthyroidism, doctors recommend that you wait 2 hours after taking iodine-131 medicine on an empty stomach before eating to allow the iodine to be digested. You should also not take any medications, iodine agents, etc. at will, and you should not engage in strenuous exercise or mental stimulation.