What if hypothyroidism becomes severe? Let's talk about Myxedema Coma

You may have heard of the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. It works like an engine in our body. It produces thyroid hormones , which are important for almost every cell in our body. But sometimes the function of this gland decreases and a condition occurs in which the thyroid hormones are not produced enough. We call this hypothyroidism . Today we are talking about the most severe, even life-threatening, case of this. That is Myxedema Coma.

First, let's see what Hypothyroidism is.

Simply put, hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. This causes the body's organs to function a little slower. Symptoms include:

• Excessive fatigue and sleepiness for no reason.
• Feeling colder than others.
• Weight gain .
• Dry skin and hair loss.
• Constipation .
• Difficulty concentrating.

Because these symptoms can be common to many people, some people don't even think it's a disease. But if this condition isn't properly diagnosed and treated, it can become dangerous.

So what is Myxedema Coma?

Imagine, this is a condition that occurs when hypothyroidism becomes very severe, and the level of thyroid hormone in the body drops to a dangerously low level. Although this is a rare condition, it is a very life-threatening medical emergency . Although the word "Coma" is in the name Myxedema Coma, not all patients become unconscious. However, their consciousness may be severely impaired and they may be so sleepy that they are unresponsive.

What can cause a myxedema coma?

For someone who already has severe hypothyroidism, any of the following events can trigger this dangerous condition.

What are the dangerous symptoms to watch out for?

If a person with hypothyroidism experiences one or more of these symptoms, it may be a precursor to a condition called Myxedema Coma.

• Weakness or lethargy: A person is so sleepy that they cannot be awakened.
• Confusion or non-responsiveness: Does not understand what is being said or does not respond.
• Low body temperature (Hypothermia): The body feels as cold as ice to the touch.
• Body swelling : Especially the face, tongue, and legs swell.
• Difficulty breathing : Breathing rate decreases significantly.

If someone with these symptoms is unconscious or unusually drowsy, it is an emergency and should be taken to a hospital immediately . Family or friends should immediately take them to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).You have to take it. Wasting time only increases the risk of your life.

Tests and treatments at the hospital

After being brought to the hospital, the doctors quickly run several tests to confirm the condition.

• Blood tests: Blood tests check thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4), sugar, electrolytes , and cortisol.
• Blood gases: Checks the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• ECG test: Checks for any problems with the heart's function.

As a treatment, the patient is usually admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) .

• Intravenous hormones: To quickly restore thyroid hormone levels, hormones are given as injections (intravenously or IV) .
• Supportive care: If the body temperature is low, warm it with a warming blanket . If the blood sugar is low, give glucose. If there is an infection, give antibiotics. If there is a suspicion of a problem with the adrenal glands, give steroids (glucocorticoids).

The most important thing families need to know!

If a situation like this happens to a family member or friend, the most important thing is to not panic and do the right thing.

Can this situation be prevented?

Yes! The best thing to do is to prevent this condition from occurring. It's really very simple. If you have hypothyroidism, the most important thing to do is to take the thyroid medication prescribed by your doctor in the right dosage, at the right time, every day . Don't stop taking the medication out of boredom or because you think "it's better now." Also, it's very important to see your doctor at the right times and have blood tests like TSH to monitor your condition. By following these two simple things, you can almost completely protect yourself from a dangerous condition like Myxedema Coma. myxedema coma, hypothyroidism, thyroid, thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism, thyroid deficiency, emergency treatment