Thyroid Storm-Causes,Symptoms,Treatments

Thyroid storm is a serious and life threatening disorder that has to be given emergency treatments. Talking about the thyroid gland, it is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones that are essential for the normal functioning of the body cells. In a normal condition, this gland produces only the required amount of hormones whereas in abnormal conditions the gland keeps on generating these hormones. 

The excess generation of hormones results in sweating, rapid heartbeats, weight loss, and eye problems. The prolonged abnormal generation of these hormones further worsens these problems causing thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is a very critical stage in the person’s body and can even cause a sudden death. Thus, proper knowledge and precaution methods of thyroid storm must be known. Following is the detailed information about the causes, symptoms and treatments of this problem:

Causes of the Thyroid Storm:

Following are some of the common causes of thyroid storm:

• Lung infections
• Surgery performed on the patients with overactive thyroid glands
• Improper intake of medications for hyperthyroidism
• Wrong or high dose of thyroid hormone replacement
• Use of radioactive iodine for the treatment
• Pregnancy
• Heart attack

The cardiac problems are also some of the causes of thyroid storm.

Symptoms of the Thyroid Storm:

Following are some of the symptoms of thyroid storm:

• Severe chest pain
• Breathing problems or shortness of breath
• Disorientation
• Increased sweating
• Weakness
• Heart failure
• Increase in heart beats
• High fever

Anxiety and irritability are also some of the known symptoms of thyroid storm.

Treatments for the Thyroid Storm:

Following are some of the treatments for thyroid storm:

• Providing oxygen if needed
• Provision of the electrolytes
• Antipyretics for controlling fever
• Providing hydrocortisone
• Medications to control abnormal hormone generation
• Treatments for heart failure (if present)

The thyroid storm is a life threatening problem and must be provided immediate treatments. Failure in providing adequate and proper treatments to the patient can even cost his or her life.

Any medical questions regarding the thyroid problem should not be neglected and must be asked to the doctor. Proper medical answers to these questions help in avoiding any medical emergencies.