It is known that many diseases occur when thyroid hormones, which are vitally important, work more or less. Pointing out that sometimes the increase in hormone secretions is given to the blood too quickly and in large quantities, a “thyroid storm” picture may occur, Prof. Endocrine Surgery Specialist from Yeditepe University Hospitals Parathyroid Transplant Clinic. Dr. Erhan Ayşan said, “The storm inside us will break after this.”
Thyroid hormones play a decisive role in all our functions, from walking, speaking, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, even thinking and perception. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may occur if the T3 and T4 hormones, which play a major role in our daily lives, work more or less. Warning that these problems, which affect a very large part of the society, can be confused with other diseases, Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan warned to be careful about the symptoms. Underlining that the picture defined as thyroid storm, which occurs when thyroid hormones are given to the blood suddenly and too much, has a special importance in terms of its very serious consequences. Dr. Erhan Ayşan continued his words as follows: “This storm sometimes gives signs that can be seen from the outside, and sometimes it progresses by damaging the internal organs without giving any outside findings. The heart and brain will take the first place among these damages. Rhythm disturbances and sudden cardiac arrest may develop due to rapid heartbeat. Brain hemorrhages due to cracks in brain vessels can be seen. The organ damage that will occur varies depending on the age of the patient and the co-morbidities. Internal organ damage is seen earlier in older patients. People with co-morbidities, such as someone with heart failure, may experience the effects of thyroid storm on the heart much sooner and much more severely.”
THE TABLE IS IMPROVING
Reminding that in the case of thyroid storm, there is a thyroid disease that the patient is not aware of, but this is not a rule, Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan said that thyroid storm may also be the first sign of a thyroid disease that has just started. prof. Dr. Ayşan continued his words as follows: “Overwork of the thyroid gland and overproduction of T3 and T4 hormones is called hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In fact, thyroid storm is a kind of hyperthyroidism, but in this picture, the production of T3 and T4 hormones is both much higher and the picture develops much more suddenly. However, the thyroid is an endocrine organ and, like any endocrine organ, it is affected very quickly by stress. Pregnancy is also a stress and can trigger thyroid storm as well as thyroid diseases. Asymptomatic thyroid storm can be confused with many diseases. For this reason, we frequently encounter unnecessary tomography, MRI, angiography and endoscopies.”
EARLIEST FINDING FLUSH
prof. Dr. According to the information given by Erhan Ayşan, the earliest and most obvious finding of thyroid storm is “palpitation”. The patient, who felt a significant increase in heartbeat in the left chest area, describes this situation as “it feels like my heart is going to go out”. At this time, there is an increase in the pulse rate and the pulse is not rhythmic; Sometimes it is seen that the intervals between the pulse beats are opened, and sometimes these intervals are shortened. A continuous increase in heart rate causes sleep disorders, especially at night, along with palpitations. Especially in physical activities that increase the pulse rate, this number increases even more, making the patient very uncomfortable. “People notice palpitations right away and they think it’s a heart disease and go to a cardiologist.”
AN EMERGENCY FOR HYPERTENSION PATIENTS OF ADVANCED AGE
Another symptom of thyroid storm is high blood pressure and headaches. Noting that this situation can pose a life-threatening risk, especially in elderly patients with high blood pressure (hypertension), Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan said, “Since these people also have atherosclerosis, the veins may not withstand the rising blood pressure and may crack and cerebral hemorrhage may occur. This is a life-threatening emergency,” he said.
prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan talked about other symptoms that may be experienced: Therefore, people who wear thin clothes in cold weather and express that they are not cold should consult an endocrinologist. However, rapid weight loss without dieting is another finding. The phrase “I eat but do not gain weight” can make many people happy, but these people may experience a thyroid storm and the internal organs may be getting tired due to the acceleration of metabolism. These people may have to cope with serious organ failures in the future. Changes in toilet habits, frequent toileting, diarrhea attacks are other findings related to the digestive system.
PATIENT’S PSYCHOLOGY IS ALSO BROKEN
Underlining that the thyroid storm table affects the psychological state of the people as well as the physiological structure, Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan said, “Emotional disorders, depression (withdrawal) or irritability (anxiety) can also be seen in these patients. The changes in the behavior of someone you have known for years, whose personal characteristics and habits you know, reduce their sharing with you or, on the contrary, get angry and angry about unnecessary things are among the factors that suggest thyroid storm.
A PHYSICIAN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS FROM COMPLAINTS
Stating that the diagnosis of thyroid storm can be made with laboratory tests, Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan talked about what can be done in the diagnosis: “First of all, when complaints arise, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor by suspecting the existence of a problem. Diagnosis is made when T3 and T4 hormones are found too high in laboratory examinations and TSH hormone is low. However, the patient should definitely have a thyroid ultrasound. The entire thyroid gland may be working fast, or there is an overactive nodule in the thyroid gland and this nodule is the cause of the disease. All information can be accessed with ultrasound. Therefore, ultrasound is a must-do diagnostic method as it will provide information about both the cause of the disease and the treatment method.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS PROTECTS FROM ORGAN DAMAGES
Stating that drugs constitute the first step of treatment in thyroid storm, different options can be applied in the treatment in the following processes, Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan talked about the treatment of the disease: “We have reliable drugs that will block the hormones secreted from the thyroid. Starting these in the right doses will not only relieve the patient in a few days, but also protect the internal organs from the effects of the storm. In the later period, treatment can be continued with medication, radioactive iodine (atom therapy) or surgery. The endocrinologist should decide which of these options to apply. Since thyroid storm can recur, a correct treatment should be started at the initial diagnosis and follow-up should not be interrupted.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
