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Why is winter the peak season for thyroid storms? Learn the scientific reasons behind it!
Winter can be a life-changing experience for those who already have thyroid problems. Thyroid storm, especially myxedema coma, is an extreme form of hypothyroidism that, while uncommon, carries a fatal risk. During the cold season, people with thyroid problems may be in crisis due to the body's stress response.
The sudden drop in temperature in winter often acts as a catalyst for thyroid storm, causing patients to develop serious health problems when they are unable to resist.
Thyroid storm usually occurs after various stressful events, such as infection, myocardial infarction, or stroke, especially in older patients. As winter approaches, the low temperature environment may trigger a series of physiological reactions, including hypothermia, reduced insulin levels, and even weakened cardiovascular system function, all of which may lead to the occurrence of thyroid storm in a short period of time.
Thyroid physiology and the effects of winter
The thyroid gland is a key gland that regulates body metabolism. The two hormones it mainly produces - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are necessary to promote metabolism. When the thyroid gland fails to produce enough of these hormones, a state of hypothyroidism results. Cold temperatures may further suppress thyroid hormone production, causing more serious problems.
In a cold environment, the body must consume more energy to maintain body temperature, and patients who are already in a hypothyroid state will not be able to effectively cope with this demand, leading to aggravation of the condition.
Factors that induce thyroid storm in winter
The following are some common winter triggers that may make patients more susceptible to myxedema coma:
- Hypothermia: In cold winter, hypothermia will further reduce the patient's physiological functions and increase the possibility of increasing the risk of thyroid storm.
- Infections: Winter is the peak season for influenza and other respiratory infections, which can trigger a patient's immune response and cause the condition to worsen rapidly.
- Medication: Winter often increases the need for certain drugs, such as sedatives and anesthetics, which may inhibit the functions of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Patients receiving thyroid treatment need to be particularly cautious in winter, such as regularly checking drug dosage to avoid affecting the efficacy due to cold. Understanding these factors is critical to reducing the risk of thyroid storm.
Related symptoms of myxedema coma
When experiencing thyroid storm, patients may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Coma or confusion
- Hypothermia and cold limbs
- Heartbeat too slow
- Hypoglycemia or low blood pressure
- Edema, etc.
The above symptoms not only affect the patient's quality of life, but may also pose a threat to life and are a warning that cannot be ignored.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If the patient has the above symptoms, after step-by-step examination, the doctor will confirm whether it is a myxedema coma based on the clinical characteristics and vital signs. Once diagnosed, early treatment is very important. Treatment includes:
- Supplement thyroid hormone
- Maintain body temperature within normal range
- Supportive care and monitoring of cardiorespiratory function
Even with the best medical prevention, the mortality rate of myxedema coma remains alarming in older patients. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the relevant knowledge of thyroid storm in winter and timely prevention and treatment.
In the face of potential dangers, are you ready to check your thyroid health this cold season?
