Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and established health writer on Clivir.com where you can find more of her lessons including Underactive Thyroid Treatment and Common Thyroid Conditions.
Thyroid storm, or thyrotoxicosis, is an emergency life threatening event caused by a deluge of thyroid hormone dumped into the blood stream. This condition requires immediate medical attention or sudden death can be imminent. Thyrotoxicosis can manifest in people with untreated hyperthyroidism. Additionally, it can have an onset due to surgical procedures performed on the thyroid, trauma, as well as viral or bacterial infectious agents. The patient is admitted to the critical care unit of the hospital for intensive treatment and care.
Symptoms of Thyroid Storm (thyrotoxicosis):
Increased body temperature
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Nausea/vomiting
Diarrhea
Heart palpitations
Heart failure
Pulmonary edema
Confusion
Seizure
Coma
Abdominal pain
Jaundice
There is a large increase in blood thyroid hormone level, accompanied by fever as high as 106 degrees. This condition can be caused by the following factors that include:
Stopping the required hyperthyroidism medications without consulting with the health care professional
Ingesting too much of thyroid hormone causing an overdose
Radioactive iodine treatments
People with hyperactive thyroid conditions who are suffering from severe infection or illness
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) in a persons with hyperactive thyroid
Anyone who has an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism can develop thyroid storm. It occurs when the thyroid secretes a large amount of thyroid hormone in a small amount of time.
Anyone with an overactive thyroid who has a fever, rapid heart beat, with confusion, disorientation, should be hospitalized immediately. A medical history will be taken and diagnostic testing will be performed to analyze:
Blood cell count
Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium
Blood sugar level
Thyroid hormone levels will also be tested
Liver function test
Treatments:
The goal of treatment in people suffering with thyroid storm is to decrease thyroid hormone levels, or to inhibit their production and release into the blood. This is accomplished in the following ways:
The administration of PTU and methimazole in high dosages, will inhibit production of thyroid hormone.
Sodium iodide, potassium iodide, or Lugol's solution can be administered to prevent the secretion of thyroxin. Beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA) to control heart rate, and IV steroids to enhance circulation.
Left untreated, thyroid storm treatment can result in:
Coma
Heart failure
Liver failure
Stroke
Death
Treatment also includes:
Administration of IV fluids and electrolytes
Oxygen via nasal cannula or face mask
Medication and cooling towels to control fever
Vitamins and Antibiotics
Iodine to block secretion of thyroid hormone
Kidney dialysis
Sedatives to induce rest
Propranolol and dexamethasone to block hormone synthesis
Antithyroid drugs and potassium iodine
If you have a hyperactive thyroid, it is important to take your medication as prescribed by your physician. You can prevent thyroid storm by following your doctor's orders. Knowing the signs and symptoms of thyroid storm can prevent treatment delay and enable you to call 911 right away.
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