A thyroid storm results from a sudden increase in thyroid hormones within a short period of time. It is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical treatment. Knowing the causes helps with prevention and keeps you out of danger.
A thyroid storm can happen to people with hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid. The condition might also result as a complication of Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disease that produces too much thyroid hormone.
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A rare occurrence, thyroid storms develop from often avoidable situations, so not everyone with hyperthyroidism will experience the medical condition,
Healthline notes. It may happen to people who have untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism, or an infection that develops from an overactive thyroid.
Serious health problems or stressful events in hyperthyroid patients may
trigger a thyroid storm, according to WebMD. Surgery, iodine used in a CT scan, or radioactive iodine therapy may also contribute to a thyroid storm.
Congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and diabetic ketoacidosis are other causes.
When a thyroid storm occurs, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature can increase rapidly to dangerously high levels, Healthline reports.
Being aware of symptoms can help you in seeking immediate medical attention. A fast heartbeat and high blood pressure may occur, says WebMD. People might feel extremely irritable or feel confused, and having breathing problems or feeling very tired and sleepy also might signal a thyroid storm.
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Other symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, yellow skin or eyes, and experiencing shock or delirium.
Coma, heart failure or even death may result for people who don’t get to a doctor or hospital quickly.
Thyroid storm patients are usually admitted to the hospital following emergency treatment,
according to MedicineNet.com. Doctors treat the thryoid to decrease circulating thyroid hormone levels and their formation. Dehydration and high fever are treated by cooling the body and administering IV hydration, and methods such as beta blockers might be used to control the heart rate.
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