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 hormone is responsible for myxedema?
Myxedema is a condition marked by thickening and swelling of the skin caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The function of thyroid hormones is to regulate your metabolism.
What is the main cause of hypothyroidism?
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland.
What disease is myxedema?
Myxedema coma, the extreme manifestation of hypothyroidism, is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition. Patients with hypothyroidism may exhibit a number of physiologic alterations to compensate for the lack of thyroid hormone.
How do you test for myxedema?
It often is possible to diagnose myxedema on clinical grounds alone. Characteristic symptoms are weakness, cold intolerance, mental and physical slowness, dry skin, typical facies, and hoarse voice. Results of the total serum thyroxine and free thyroxine index tests usually will confirm the diagnosis.
How do you treat myxedema?
How is myxedema treated? Treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking a synthetic version of the T4 hormone known as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl). Once T4 hormone levels are restored, symptoms become more manageable, though this may take several weeks.
What is the best medicine for hypothyroidism?
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others). This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. You’ll likely start to feel better soon after you start treatment.
What does Pretibial myxedema look like?
It usually presents itself as a waxy, discolored induration of the skin—classically described as having a so-called peau d’orange (orange peel) appearance—on the anterior aspect of the lower legs, spreading to the dorsum of the feet, or as a non-localised, non-pitting edema of the skin in the same areas.
How is myxedema diagnosed?
What causes extreme hypothyroidism in adults?
Causes of hypothyroidism include: surgical removal of the thyroid medications that affect the hormone system, such as some for cancer treatment radiation therapy to treat cancer other medications, including lithium, beta-blockers, and anesthesia autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis iodine deficiency or an excess of iodine pregnancy sudden illness or infection
What are symptoms of thyroid coma?
Myxedema Coma Symptoms. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include the following: Weakness. Confusion or non-responsiveness. Feeling cold. Low body temperature. Swelling of the body, especially the face, tongue, and lower legs. Difficulty breathing.
What is myxedema crisis?
Myxedema crisis occurs when your body can no longer tolerate the changes caused by severe hypothyroidism, so it decompensates. This is a life-threatening state that requires immediate medical attention.
What diseases cause hypothyroidism?
In the U.S., the most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Other common causes include lymphocytic thyroiditis (which may occur after hyperthyroidism), thyroid destruction (from radioactive iodine used as hyperthyroidism treatment or thyroid surgery), and pituitary or hypothalamic diseases.