Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a thyroid crisis?
- How common is thyroid crisis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of a thyroid crisis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- What are the complications that can result from a thyroid crisis?
- Cause
- What causes thyroid crisis?
- Risk factors
- What are the factors that increase the risk of developing a thyroid crisis?
- 1. Age
- 2. Gender
- 3. Suffering from hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis
- 4. Pregnancy
- 5. Suffering from autoimmune diseases
- 6. Diet
- Diagnosis & treatment
- How do doctors diagnose thyroid crisis?
- How do doctors treat thyroid crisis?
- Prevention
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to prevent thyroid crisis?
Definition
What is a thyroid crisis?
Thyroid crisis is a dangerous condition that can be life threatening. This condition is related to hyperthyroidism, which is an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormone is produced by a small gland called the thyroid. The thyroid has a butterfly-like shape and is located in the middle of the lower neck. Two very important thyroid hormones are produced by this gland, namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
These two hormones control the metabolic processes of every cell in your body. If the excess thyroid hormone production is not treated promptly, this condition can trigger a thyroid crisis. If you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland overproduces these two hormones.
Hyperthyroidism that is not treated and treated quickly, will cause more serious symptoms until the thyroid crisis occurs.
How common is thyroid crisis?
Thyroid crisis is an extremely rare condition. It is estimated that only 2 percent of people with hyperthyroidism may experience this condition. In addition, this condition is 3-5 times more common in female patients than in men.
The incidence of this condition is mostly found in patients aged 30-40 years. However, the incidence rate in patients aged children and adolescents is relatively large
Although this disease cannot be completely cured, there are several ways to control the symptoms. To find out more information about this condition, you can consult your doctor.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a thyroid crisis?
The following are some of the most common symptoms of a thyroid crisis:
- Feel very irritable or irritable
- High systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- High fever
- Shock
- Dazed
- Sleepy
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Symptoms of heart failure, such as difficulty breathing or extreme fatigue
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
What are the complications that can result from a thyroid crisis?
Thyroid crisis has the potential to cause coma, heart failure, and even death if not treated quickly. In addition, this condition also has the potential to cause other problems, such as atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis.
Cause
What causes thyroid crisis?
Thyroid crisis can occur in people with hyperthyroidism that is not treated properly. This condition is characterized by high production of the two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Not everyone with hyperthyroidism will experience thyroid crisis.
The causes of this condition include:
- Untreated serious hyperthyroidism
- An overactive and untreated thyroid gland
- Infections associated with hyperthyroidism
People with hyperthyroidism may experience thyroid crisis after being triggered by any of the following:
- Trauma
- Operation
- Emotional stress (stress) is so heavy
- Stroke
- Diabetic ketoacdosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Pulmonary embolism
Risk factors
What are the factors that increase the risk of developing a thyroid crisis?
Thyroid crisis is a condition that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age or race. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this condition.
Please note that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely be exposed to a disease. In some rare cases, there is a small chance that a person can develop certain diseases without any risk factors.
The following are risk factors that can trigger this condition:
1. Age
This disease is more common in patients aged 30-40 years. However, it is not uncommon for this condition to develop in babies and children.
About 1-2% of babies born to people with Graves' disease also have thyroid problems. Meanwhile, as many as two thirds of cases of thyrotoxicosis, one of the causes of thyroid crisis, occur in children aged 10-15 years.
2. Gender
The incidence of this disease is 3-5 times more common in female patients than male, especially among children who enter puberty.
3. Suffering from hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis
If you have hyperthyroidism, you will need to take hormone control drugs. However, if you don't take this medication properly or stop it, this condition can trigger a crisis.
4. Pregnancy
If you are a woman and are pregnant, hormone production in your body tends to be unstable. This condition can lead to overproduction of thyroid hormones.
5. Suffering from autoimmune diseases
If you have a problem with your immune system, such as Graves' disease, your thyroid gland is more prone to inflammation.
6. Diet
Eating foods that contain too much iodine can also increase your risk of having problems with thyroid hormone production.
Diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How do doctors diagnose thyroid crisis?
People with hyperthyroidism who experience symptoms of a thyroid crisis are usually admitted to the emergency department (ER). The reason is, people with this condition generally show an increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure (above).
The doctor will measure thyroid hormone levels with a blood test. Generally, in conditions of crisis and hyperthyroidism, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is lower. This is because the brain tries to reduce the stimulation of thyroid hormone production. According to American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), normal TSH levels range from 0.4 to 4 mIU / L. The T3 and T4 hormones are also usually very high in people with this condition.
How do doctors treat thyroid crisis?
Thyroid crises usually appear suddenly and mess with all of your body's systems. Therefore, treatment will be given immediately, even before the results of the laboratory analysis come out.
Hyperthyrodism needs constant maintenance. Treatment may include radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid, or medications to temporarily suppress thyroid function.
Antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil (also called PTU) or methimazole (Tapazole) can be given to suppress the production of hormones in the thyroid gland. Besides, medicine beta-blockers and steroids will also be given.
Pregnant women who have hyperthyroidism should not be treated with radioactive iodine because it can harm the unborn baby. Usually the thyroid will be removed from the pregnant woman through surgery.
Avoid choosing radioactive iodine treatment over other medications. If your thyroid has been destroyed as a result of radioactive iodine or because of surgery, you will need to take synthetic thyroid hormone medication for life.
Prevention
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to prevent thyroid crisis?
The most effective way to prevent thyroid crisis is to follow all doctor's instructions and undergo disciplined treatment of hyperthyroidism. Take your medications on schedule, check with your doctor regularly, and go through all the necessary procedures.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
