THYROID STORM Meaning and
Definition
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Thyroid storm is a medical condition characterized by a sudden and life-threatening exacerbation of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is also known as thyrotoxic crisis or hyperthyroid crisis.
In the human body, the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. However, in individuals with hyperthyroidism, excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, such as thyroxine, are released into the bloodstream. Thyroid storm occurs when there is an abrupt and pronounced increase in these thyroid hormone levels.
This condition is triggered by various factors, such as infection, trauma, surgery, or discontinuation of anti-thyroid medications. The symptoms of thyroid storm are severe and may include high fever, profuse sweating, palpitations, extreme anxiety, restlessness, agitation, confusion, irritability, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, coma.
Thyroid storm requires urgent medical attention as it can be fatal if left untreated. The diagnosis is typically based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests measuring thyroid hormone levels. Treatment involves a multi-pronged approach aiming to stabilize hormone levels, control symptoms, manage complications, and address the underlying cause. This may include anti-thyroid medications, beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, cooling measures, intravenous fluids, and supportive care in an intensive care setting. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent organ failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death.
In summary, thyroid storm is a critical condition characterized by a sudden and severe exacerbation of hyperthyroidism symptoms. Timely recognition and immediate medical intervention are essential to prevent life-threatening consequences.
Common Misspellings for THYROID STORM
- rhyroid storm
- fhyroid storm
- ghyroid storm
- yhyroid storm
- 6hyroid storm
- 5hyroid storm
- tgyroid storm
- tbyroid storm
- tnyroid storm
- tjyroid storm
- tuyroid storm
- tyyroid storm
- thtroid storm
- thgroid storm
- thhroid storm
- thuroid storm
- th7roid storm
- th6roid storm
- thyeoid storm
- thydoid storm
Etymology of THYROID STORM
The word "thyroid storm" originates from the combination of two terms: "thyroid" and "storm".
1. Thyroid: The term "thyroid" pertains to the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. The word "thyroid" has its roots in the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", meaning "shield-shaped" or "protective". The gland itself was named so because of its shape.
2. Storm: The term "storm" is a metaphorical reference to an intense, violent, and rapid occurrence. In medical terminology, it is often used to describe a sudden and severe exacerbation of a specific condition or disease. The term "storm" is believed to have its origins in Old English/Old Norse, derived from the word "stormr", meaning "tumult" or "uproar".
