Table of Contents
What is one of the causes of myxedema coma?
Myxedema coma occurs as a result of long-standing, undiagnosed, or undertreated hypothyroidism and is usually precipitated by a systemic illness. Myxedema coma can result from any of the causes of hypothyroidism, most commonly chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
When does myxedema occur?
Myxedema refers to a severe form of hypothyroidism than can occur when the condition is left untreated or is not treated sufficiently. The term also applies to the effects that hypothyroidism can have on the skin, making it appear swollen and puffy.
What is the basic cause of hypothyroid disease?
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including: Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
How common is Myxoedema?
When only comatose patients are considered, myxedema coma is exceedingly rare: one study reports 200 cases between 1953 and 1996. 3 Applying a broader definition results in a significantly higher number of cases.
How long can you live without thyroid medication?
The half-life of levothyroxine is 6-7 days, which means it takes about 4-5 weeks for your body to rid itself of levothyroxine. Nonetheless, as synthetic T4 levels start to wane, you can begin to experience symptoms within the first week of not taking your medication.
What is Myxoedema crisis?
Myxedema crisis is a life-threatening extreme form of hypothyroidism with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Myxedema crisis is commonly seen in older patients, especially women, and is associated with signs of hypothyroidism, hypothermia, hyponatremia, hypercarbia, and hypoxemia.
What are the symptoms of Myxoedema?
What are the symptoms of myxedema crisis?
- decreased breathing (respiratory depression)
- lower than normal blood sodium levels.
- hypothermia (low body temperature)
- confusion or mental slowness.
- shock.
- low blood oxygen levels.
- high blood carbon dioxide levels.
- coma.
What emotion is tied to thyroid?
Yes, thyroid disease can affect your mood — primarily causing either anxiety or depression. Generally, the more severe the thyroid disease, the more severe the mood changes. If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), you may experience: Unusual nervousness.