Thyroid storm
Thyroid storm is a medical condition caused by a sudden increase in thyroid hormone in the body. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are very important in controlling the energy level of the body, the speed of metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.
In thyroid storm, the thyroid oversecretes thyroid hormones, which causes a rapid increase in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood, and is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening medical emergency. This condition can occur due to sudden stimulation of the thyroid gland, such as inflammation or damage to the gland, or due to excessive use of thyroid hormones, such as overactive thyroid treatment with drugs. When there is intense metabolic activity, your body needs more oxygen. To meet your body’s needs for oxygen, your heart beats too fast (tachycardia), which can cause heart failure.
Symptoms of thyroid storm include rapid heart rate, irritability, etc., which are described here. This condition can seriously affect your health and requires immediate medical intervention.
Treatment of thyroid storm includes methods such as inhibition of excess thyroid hormones, control of signs and symptoms, etc. In some cases, hospitalization and specialized care may be required to prevent serious complications, which we have discussed fully. .
Who gets thyroid storm?
Thyroid storm is a complication of hyperthyroidism, so people with conditions that cause hyperthyroidism, such as Graves’ disease or toxic thyroid adenoma, are more likely to develop thyroid storm. As with all thyroid disorders, women are more likely to experience thyroid storm than men. The average age of people who get thyroid storm is 42 to 43 years.
What is the cause of thyroid storm?
Researchers are still not sure why certain factors can lead to thyroid storm. Although thyroid storm can develop if you have long-term untreated hyperthyroidism, it is most often caused by a sudden and severe (acute) event or situation.
The main cause of thyroid storm or thyroid crisis is a sudden and severe increase in thyroid activity, which occurs as a result of increased production and excessive release of thyroid hormones. The main causes of thyroid storm are:
Granulomatous hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease): This is an immune disease that leads to increased thyroid activity. In patients with granulomatosis, the body’s immune system recognizes thyroid hormones as invaders and increases their production.
Thyroid adenoma: the presence of a benign or malignant mass in the thyroid tissue can increase thyroid activity and thyroid storm.
Inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis): Infection or inflammation in the thyroid can lead to thyroid storm. In some cases, this inflammation may be caused by thyroid surgery, trauma, or viral infections.
Excessive use of thyroid hormones: In some cases, excessive use of synthetic thyroid hormones can increase thyroid activity and cause thyroid storm.
Improper adjustment of hyperthyroid therapy: In some cases, inappropriate hyperthyroid therapy or sudden discontinuation of antithyroid drugs can cause thyroid storm.
Sudden events that can trigger a thyroid storm include:
- Abrupt discontinuation of antithyroid drugs.
- Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy).
- Non-thyroid surgery
- strike.
- Infection
- Acute diseases such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), heart failure and drug reaction.
- Having too much iodine in your body, such as an iodinated contrast agent used for some imaging procedures.
- giving birth.
- Stroke.
What are the symptoms of thyroid storm?
Signs and symptoms of thyroid storm may include:
- Rapid increase in heart rate and palpitations: You may feel that your heart is beating very fast and you may have strong palpitations. or fast heart rate (tachycardia) that can be more than 140 beats per minute and congestive heart failure.
- Anger and irritation: You may feel a lot of anger, irritation and anxiety. Hallucinations, excessive anger, and sleep disturbances may also occur.
- Body tremors: You may experience tremors (tremors) in your body. This tremor can occur in your hands, feet, or other parts of your body.
- Excessive sweating: You may sweat a lot and sweat profusely, even when the ambient temperature is not high.
- Severe emaciation: In thyroid storm, your body’s metabolic rate increases dramatically, which causes extreme emaciation and unwanted weight loss.
- Vomiting and nausea: Some people with thyroid storm may feel nauseous and even vomit.
- If you experience any or a combination of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Having a high fever – a temperature between 104 degrees and 106 degrees Fahrenheit is common.
- Feeling agitated, irritable and/or anxious.
- Delirium.
- Loss of consciousness.
Less common signs and symptoms of thyroid storm include:
- Severe nausea and/or vomiting.
- Diarrhea
- stomach ache.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
How is thyroid storm diagnosed?
A doctor diagnoses thyroid storm if a person has severe and life-threatening symptoms, such as high fever and heart problems, and high levels of thyroid hormone and low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.
Because thyroid storm can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, in many cases, health care providers or doctors treat people with symptoms of thyroid storm before receiving blood results that show hormone levels. Thyroid is in their blood, they diagnose and treat it.
Your doctor may also check for physical symptoms of thyroid storm, including:
- Goiter, when your thyroid gland is enlarged.
- Ophthalmopathy, which is a complication of Graves’ disease that includes eye problems such as swelling and bulging of the eye.
- Retraction of the eyelid
- Hand tremors.
- Warm and moist skin.
- Tachycardia or atrial fibrillation.
What should be done to prevent thyroid storm?
To prevent thyroid storm, you can do the following:
See a doctor: If you have a history of increased thyroid activity, thyroid disorders or thyroid treatment in the past, it is better to talk to your doctor about the risk of thyroid storm. Your doctor can guide you and determine the necessary measures to prevent thyroid storm.
Stress management: Stress can be one of the effective factors in causing thyroid storm. Therefore, try to reduce stress and add stress management methods such as meditation, use of anti-stress oils, exercise, yoga and deep breathing techniques to your daily activities.
Thyroid management: If you suffer from a thyroid disorder and are taking thyroid medication, be sure to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and do not forget to follow the blood test periods to control the level of thyroid hormones. Also, consult your doctor before making any changes to your thyroid medication or taking any other medications.
Establish a healthy lifestyle: Following a healthy lifestyle can help control thyroid and prevent thyroid storm. Consuming a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate rest, proper weight management, and avoiding stimulants such as smoking and alcohol help maintain thyroid health.
Follow-up blood test cycles: Regularly scheduling blood tests and checking thyroid hormone levels can help identify changes in thyroid function early. This allows you to take the necessary measures to control and prevent thyroid storm more quickly if necessary.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the risk and prevention of thyroid storm and follow his or her instructions. Any changes in thyroid function should be evaluated by a doctor.
How is thyroid storm treated?
Since thyroid storm is a medical emergency, you should be treated in a hospital. If you experience symptoms, go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Thyroid storm treatment methods can be divided into four general categories, which are:
- Treatment aimed at creating and releasing thyroid hormone.
- Treating body systems and tissues, such as the heart, that are affected by excess thyroid hormone.
- Treat the condition or disease that is causing your thyroid storm.
- Other supportive treatments to help with symptoms and side effects.
Medications and treatments for thyroid storm can include:
- Antithyroid drugs (thionamides) to prevent the thyroid from producing new thyroid hormones.
- Iodine solution to prevent the secretion of thyroid hormone by the thyroid.
- Beta blockers to manage your symptoms.
- Absorbs bile acids to prevent reabsorption of thyroid hormone by the intestine.
- Acetaminophen and cooling blankets to lower your body temperature.
- Respiratory therapy, such as supplemental oxygen.
If you have a thyroid storm, you will likely be in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) so that your health care team can monitor your symptoms and condition regularly.
In general, the treatment of thyroid storm is done in order to control the level of thyroid hormones and reduce its signs and symptoms. Treatment may include:
Anti-thyroid drugs: drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil are used to treat this disease. These drugs control thyroid activity by reducing the production and over-increasing of thyroid hormones.
Beta-blockers: Drugs such as propranolol and atenolol may be used to control cardiac symptoms associated with thyroid storm. These drugs help control the symptoms of palpitations and agitation by reducing heart rate and regulating heart function.
Use of radioactive antithyroids: In some cases, the use of radioactive antithyroids such as I-131 may be used as a second and long-term treatment method. This drug reduces the production of thyroid hormones by destroying part of the thyroid tissue.
Supportive care: You may need supportive care, such as periodic use of antithyroid drugs, regular blood tests, rest, and stress management techniques.
It is important to keep in touch with your doctor and follow his instructions. He can determine the best treatment for you and monitor the treatment process.
How long will it take you to feel better after thyroid storm treatment?
With proper medical treatment, you will likely feel better within 24 hours. It may take up to a week to heal what caused your thyroid storm
Can thyroid storm be fatal?
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening medical condition that is fatal if left untreated, and even with treatment, it can be fatal. Approximately 10 to 30 percent of thyroid storm cases result in death.
If you experience symptoms of thyroid storm, it is imperative that you go to the hospital as soon as possible. Do not wait for your symptoms to get worse.
What are the complications of thyroid storm?
If left untreated or delayed, thyroid storm can lead to serious complications, including:
- Heart failure (cardiac).
- blood clotting.
- Convulsions.
- Delirium.
- Coma
