Hyper/Hypo Conditions

hyperglycemia

Signs & Symptoms:

• gradual onset

• Thirst, frequent urination

• Drowsy

• Deep, labored breathing

• Fruity breath

PT/First Aid:

• Do NOT give sugar.

• Avoid exercise if glucose >250 mg/dL.

Definition & Causes:
High blood glucose (>180–250 mg/dL) from too little insulin, infection, stress, or overeating.

hypoglycemia

Signs & Symptoms:

• Sudden onset

• Pale, moist skin

• Hunger & irritability (Hangry)

• Weakness, blurred vision

• Normal Breathing

• No vomiting 

PT/First Aid:

• Give sugar (juice, glucose tabs).

• If unresponsive → call for help, no oral sugar.

• Hungry Hungry hippo

Hashimoto’s Disease

Signs & Symptoms:

• Weight gain

• Cold intolerance

• Fatigue

• Joint stiffness

• Hair loss, dry skin

• Bradycardia/ slow reflexes

• Constipation

PT Note:
Low energy → pace activities, allow rest breaks.

Definition & Causes:
Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid → low thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism)

Graves’ Disease

Signs & Symptoms:

• Weight loss despite normal appetite

• Heat intolerance

• Tremor, anxiety, restlessness

• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

• Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)

PT Note:
Avoid overheating and high-intensity exercise; monitor vitals.

Definition & Causes:
Autoimmune overstimulation of thyroid → excess thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism)

Addison’s Disease 

Signs & Symptoms:

• Extreme Fatigue

• Muscle weakness

• Weight loss

• Low blood pressure

• Salt Cravings

• Dizziness, fainting

• Hyperpigmentation

• Nausea, vomiting

PT Note:
Avoid stress overload; risk of Addisonian crisis (severe low BP).

Definition & Causes:
Adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol (and aldosterone); often autoimmune or adrenal damage (Hypercortisolism)

Cushing’s Syndrome

Signs & Symptoms:

• Central obesity, thin arms/legs

• Muscle weakness, easy bruising

• High blood pressure, high blood sugar

• Fragile skin, osteoporosis

• Thinning hair

• “Moon face,” “buffalo hump”

PT Note:
Use gentle handling; monitor BP and fall risk.

Definition & Causes:
Excess cortisol from tumor, long-term steroid use, or pituitary/adrenal overproduction (Hypercortisolism)

Diabetes Insipidus

Signs & Symptoms:

• Extreme thirst (polydipsia)

• Excessive urination (polyuria — very dilute urine)

• Dehydration

• Fatigue, weakness

• Dry mouth

• Possible low blood pressure or dizziness

PT Note:
Monitor for dehydration and fatigue during activity; ensure access to fluids.

Definition & Causes:
A disorder where the body doesn’t produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or the kidneys don’t respond to it, leading to excess water loss

Calcium

Controls muscles, nerves, and bones (health of each)

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• hypocalcemia: muscles are twitchy and overactive

• hypercalcemia: muscles are weak, decreased bone density, kidney stone formation

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Increases blood calcium levels by:

• Releasing calcium from bones

• Increasing calcium absorption from the gut (via vitamin D)

• Reducing calcium loss in urine

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• Hypoparathyroidism → Low calcium → muscle spasm

• Hyperparathyroidism → High Calcium → bone loss, kidney stone formation

Thyroid Hormones

• Regulate metabolism (how fast cells use energy)

• Affect heart rate, temperature, and energy levels

• Support growth and brain development

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• Hashimoto’s (hypo): slow metabolism → fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance 

• Graves’ (hyper): fast metabolism → heat intolerance, weight loss, tachycardia 

Insulin (from pancreas)

lower blood glucose by helping absorb sugar

Glucagon (from pancreas)

raises blood glucose by releasing sugar from the liver

Cortisol

• Maintains blood pressure and blood sugar

• Helps the body respond to stress

• Controls inflammation and immune response

• Regulates metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs

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• Addison’s (hypo): fatigue, low BP, weight loss, hyperpigmentation

• Cushing’s: muscle weakness, central obesity, high BP, high glucose 

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

• Controls water balance by signaling the kidneys to reabsorb water

• Maintains blood pressure and hydration

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• Low (Diabetes Insipidus): → excessive urination, dehydration, thirst

• High: → water retention, low sodium

Sodium

controls fluid balance and BP

Potassium

controls heart rhythm and muscle contraction

Gigantism

overproduction of growth hormone before puberty 

Acromegaly

abnormal growth in the body d/t overproduction of growth hormone after puberty

Metabolic Acidosis

S&S:

• hyperventilation, deep respiration

• weakness, lethargy

• headache

• coma

pH under 7.35

Metabolic Alkalosis 

S&S:

• hypoventilation

• arrhythmias

• hypertonic muscles

pH: over 7.45