Have you ever experienced moments of rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue? Perhaps you blamed your symptoms on stress, a hectic lifestyle, or other factors. What if I told you that these seemingly unconnected symptoms could be the signals of a more serious and uncommon medical emergency, known as a thyroid storm?
Dr Vidya Tickoo, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained about this condition and its signs that you should be aware of.
What Is Thyroid Storm
Dr Tickoo said that thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis is a rare, but life-threatening disease. This happens when the thyroid gland releases a large amount of thyroid hormone rapidly in the blood. This typically occurs in patients who are known to have hyperthyroidism, that is those patients whose thyroid gland is producing excess thyroid hormone.
Dr Tickoo added, “Sometimes, the patient is not aware that he has an underlying thyroid problem, and may present with a thyroid storm directly. Such patients often have a history of weight loss, palpitations, feeling unusually hot, sweating, loose motions, tremors, etc.”
Also Read: From Hyperthyroidism To Medications: Expert Lists Health Conditions That May Cause Diaphoresis
Symptoms Of Thyroid Storm
Dr Tickoo listed the symptoms of thyroid storm as follows:
- Fever
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Loose motions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Change in behaviour
- If severe, it can lead to coma and death as well.
Risk Factors
Dr Tickoo said that the risk factors for thyroid storm include a stressor like surgery, trauma, infection, giving birth, accident, etc. In addition, not taking antithyroid medicines correctly, abruptly stopping the medicine, or being undertreated can precipitate a crisis in these situations.
Complications Of Thyroid Storm
Dr Tickoo warned about the complications of this health condition, which are as follows:
Thyroid hormone levels in the blood might be elevated, which can lead to
- High temperature
- Cardiac complications like heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, high blood pressure
- Neurological complications like seizures
- Drowsiness
- Coma
- Jaundice
How To Prevent Thyroid Storm
Dr Tickoo highlighted, “To prevent or recognise it early, if you are a hyperthyroid patient, make sure that you are being treated with adequate doses of antithyroid medicine by doing regular thyroid blood tests and following up with an endocrinologist. In case you are going through any of the stressors mentioned above, look out for the symptoms of thyroid storm and report immediately to the hospital if you develop any as timely recognition is life-saving in this situation.”
Also Read: Thyroid Eye Disease: Expert Explains Its Symptoms, Causes & Preventive Measures
Treatment Of Thyroid Storm
Dr Tickoo said that the early recognition of the disease is extremely important as it needs urgent care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The treatment is directed towards reducing thyroid hormone production from the thyroid gland, reducing the effect of thyroid hormones on organs and support to the crucial organs of the body.
Bottomline
Thyroid storm is diagnosed by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with extreme hyperthyroidism. If you experience fever, very rapid heartbeats, confusion and disorientation, significant fatigue and exhaustion, reach out to your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by the expert, however, we recommend you consult with your expert, as per your medical history.
