Hypothyroid Disease - Signs and Symptoms
The signs/symptoms of hypothyroid are general slowing of the entire body.
They follow the acronym - SLUGGISH.
o Sleepiness o Loss of memory o Unusually dry skin o Goiter o Gradual personality change (becomes depressed) o Increase in weight o Sensitivity to cold o Hair loss Other signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism are: o Slower shallow respiration o Muscle cramps o Thin brittle finger or toe nails o Reduced ability to concentrate o Easy irritability o Slowed motor functions o Slowness of thought (feel like your brain is in a fog) o Sleep apnea o Inability to calculate o Loss of hair on the outside borders of your eyebrows o Reduced memory o Shortness of breath with exertion o Reduced sex drive o Puffy face o Thickening of the skin (some have related that it feels like elephant skin) o Constipation o Heavier periods o Daytime sleepiness If you recognize these sign/symptoms in yourself or someone you know - go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Myxedema Coma You should go the emergency room (or call 911) if you are hypothyroid and: o Develop a fever o Shortness of breath o Increased swelling on both the hands and feet o Changes in mental status or behavior These may indicate a condition known as myxedema coma.
Left untreated it can lead to a condition known as myxedema coma.
Myxedema coma occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 cases of hypothyroidism.
The mortality for this condition can run as high as 80%.
Treatment of Myxedema Coma Myxedema coma is treated in the hospital (often in the ICU).
o Fluids are given via intravenous catheter (with electrolytes if needed).
o Steroids (IV) o Thyroid hormones (usually IV).
Oral medication is usually not given as it is too slow to help in an emergency situation.
o Warming blanket (if needed with a low body temperature)
They follow the acronym - SLUGGISH.
o Sleepiness o Loss of memory o Unusually dry skin o Goiter o Gradual personality change (becomes depressed) o Increase in weight o Sensitivity to cold o Hair loss Other signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism are: o Slower shallow respiration o Muscle cramps o Thin brittle finger or toe nails o Reduced ability to concentrate o Easy irritability o Slowed motor functions o Slowness of thought (feel like your brain is in a fog) o Sleep apnea o Inability to calculate o Loss of hair on the outside borders of your eyebrows o Reduced memory o Shortness of breath with exertion o Reduced sex drive o Puffy face o Thickening of the skin (some have related that it feels like elephant skin) o Constipation o Heavier periods o Daytime sleepiness If you recognize these sign/symptoms in yourself or someone you know - go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Myxedema Coma You should go the emergency room (or call 911) if you are hypothyroid and: o Develop a fever o Shortness of breath o Increased swelling on both the hands and feet o Changes in mental status or behavior These may indicate a condition known as myxedema coma.
Left untreated it can lead to a condition known as myxedema coma.
Myxedema coma occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 cases of hypothyroidism.
The mortality for this condition can run as high as 80%.
Treatment of Myxedema Coma Myxedema coma is treated in the hospital (often in the ICU).
o Fluids are given via intravenous catheter (with electrolytes if needed).
o Steroids (IV) o Thyroid hormones (usually IV).
Oral medication is usually not given as it is too slow to help in an emergency situation.
o Warming blanket (if needed with a low body temperature)