How does myxedema affect the body?
How does myxedema affect the body?
decreased breathing (respiratory depression) lower than normal blood sodium levels. hypothermia (low body temperature) confusion or mental slowness.
What causes myxedema?
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.
What are some of the symptoms of myxedema coma?
Rarely, serious or life-threatening symptoms, such as slowed breathing, low body temperature, or unresponsiveness, may be a sign of myxedema coma. Myxedema is usually part of a larger group of symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism and myxedema?
Along with the signs and symptoms of severe hypothyroidism, symptoms of myxedema crisis can include: 1 decreased breathing (respiratory depression). 2 lower than normal blood sodium levels. 3 hypothermia (low body temperature). 4 confusion or mental slowness. 5 shock. 6 (more items)
What do you need to know about myxedema?
Antibiotics, steroid treatment, and breathing support may be necessary also. A person may need breathing assistance, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) if carbon dioxide levels in the blood are very high.
What are the symptoms of myxedema or gull’s disease?
The classic presentation of Myxedema or Gull’s Disease is swelling of the face, with firm skin. The skin may become rough and dry. When pressure is applied on the skin then there is no depression created on the skin.
Why does hypothyroidism cause myxedema?
Myxedema (Adult hypothyroidism) is caused by an accumulation of tissue products, such as glycosaminoglycans , in the skin. Myxedema is almost always a result of hypothyroidism. Specific causes of hypothyroidism that can lead to myxedema include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid), and Graves’ disease.
What are the treatments of myxedema?
The standard treatment for myxedema is to treat the underlying cause which is usually hypothyroidism . The physician will prescribe medication to help replace the thyroid hormones and increase the level so the thyroid gland will function properly.
What causes myxedema coma?
Myxedema Coma Causes. If you have severe hypothyroidism, then any of the following can contribute to myxedema coma: Infections, especially lung and urine infections. Heart failure. Stroke. Trauma. Surgery. Drugs, such as phenothiazines , amiodarone, lithium, and tranquilizers, and prolonged iodide use.