Myxedema is a medical term used to describe a rare but life-threatening situation sparked by untreatedhypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a small organabout the size of two thumbslocated at the front of your neck.
This small gland is responsible for providing your body with a variety of thyroid hormones.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Myxedema can lead to a coma and death if hypothyroidism is left untreated.
In fact, 80% of people diagnosed with myxedema are women.
Myxedema Is a Life-Threatening Condition
Myxedema is a life-threatening condition.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of severe hypothyroidism, seek emergency care immediately.
When your thyroid is underproducing, youll notice it in little ways throughout your entire body.
The symptoms are often slow to build.
However, all cases start when hypothyroidism goes untreated.
When hypothyroidism goes untreated, these body functions begin to slow or shut down.
Diagnosis
Most people who seek care for myxedema coma are unaware of whats going on around them.
They are unable to answer simple questions and may not understand why they are in the hospital.
Myxedema coma is primarily diagnosed after receiving lab results.
Hormone Replacement
The most critical step to reversing myxedema is through thyroid hormone therapy.
This hormone therapy will be in the form of a synthetic thyroid medication like Synthroid or levothyroxine.
After starting thyroid hormone therapy, you will notice a significant turnaround within one to two days.
Steroid Therapy
With severe cases of hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency will tag along.
Adrenal insufficiency can be potentially deadly.
Therefore, its crucial to treat adrenal insufficiency with steroids until the body regains balance.
Supportive Care
Supportive care includes warming the body and rewarming the body if needed.
Since the body is struggling to keep the temperature high enough, hypothermia is a significant concern.
There may also be a need for assistance from a ventilator to help with breathing.
Identify and Treat the Cause
What transpired that resulted in a myxedema coma?
Is there an underlying infection or drug addiction?
Did the patient recently have surgery?
For instance, there could be an underlying urinary tract infection requiring treatment.
A Word From VeryWell
Myxedema is a rare but dangerous condition.
At this time, there are no at-home, over-the-counter, or homeopathic treatment options available for myxedema.
If you or someone you know is experiencing myxedema symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
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