Thyroid Storm – A Potentially Life Threatening Condition
Thyroid Storm is a condition that could be potentially life threatening to those that have been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism.
Many medical professionals identify this as a “Thyroid Crisis”.
When it
comes to endocrine emergencies, medical doctors agree that when a
person suffers from this condition,
they are experiencing one of the most critical of all illnesses that
may be experienced. While it is true that only 10% of all patients
hospitalized for the condition of thyrotoxicosis have also been
diagnosed with thyroid storm,
it is also true that there is a mortality rate of up to 30% for those
that are diagnosed with this illness.
“Thyrotoxicosis” is a term that
means that a patient is experiencing a high level of concentration of
the thyroid hormone. When thyroid storm occurs, the thyroid starts to produce its hormone in such high levels that it could result in death.
Symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism, it is absolutely essential that you become educated on the symptoms that could indicate that you are suffering from a thyroid storm. Some of the the most common symptoms are: an elevated heart rate, increased or high blood pressure, a very high fever. You may feel confusion and/or anxiety, you may feel restless or nervous and even lose consciousness.
If you have these types of symptoms you must get medical attention as soon as possible as this can be a life threatening condition.
The Diagnosis
If you are feeling ill and are experiencing these symptoms,
it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. Once you
are with the doctor, they will inquire about your medical history and
the symptoms that you are experiencing. They will then conduct a
thorough physical examination of you. Shortly thereafter, the medical
professional will order tests that will assist them in determining just
how much hormone your thyroid is producing.
In most instances, the
doctor will want to determine your blood cell count, the level of your
electrolytes, what your blood sugar range is, the level of the thyroid
hormone and how well your liver is functioning. If you are found to have
this illness as a result of Hyperthyroidism, your doctor will immediately start treatment.
Treatment
There are many different techniques for treating this condition.
Your doctor will determine how advanced the condition is before
initiating treatment. While the doctor is determining what course of
action to take, it is important that you ask questions. You should
inquire as to what caused the condition and how it can be prevented in
the future.
The following outlines the treatments that may be utilized
to assist in reducing the amount of hormone that the thyroid is creating
and eliminate the symptoms that you experience with this serious condition:
- In many cases, an intravenous solution may be used to increase the
amount of electrolytes in the body and replenish the fluids that have
been lost during the course of the condition. - In severe cases, oxygen may be administered.
- Corticosteroids may be administered via IV.
- Medications that stop the thyroid from producing the hormone may be issued.
- In some instances, iodine is used to block the thyroid from releasing the hormone.
- If the symptoms of the condition involve the heart, those issues will be treated individually.
Thyroid Storm associated with Hyperthyroidism
is a critical illness that could be potentially life threatening. If
you are experiencing any of the signs of this medical complication, get
to a doctor or hospital immediately. Delaying medical treatment could
mean the difference between life and death.
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