Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, May 30: A sudden surge of thyroid hormones can trigger a dangerous condition called thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis, warns Dr L Sudarshan Reddy, senior consultant physician at Yashoda Hospitals. This rare but severe complication of untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism requires urgent hospitalisation to save lives.

Patients may experience very high fever, rapid heartbeat exceeding 140 beats per minute, severe anxiety, confusion, profuse sweating, and gastrointestinal distress. In extreme cases, heart failure or jaundice may develop. Women in their early 40s with untreated conditions like Graves’ disease are particularly at risk.

Diagnosis is confirmed through thyroid function tests, followed by emergency treatment aimed at stabilising vital signs and reducing hormone levels. Care includes intravenous fluids, cooling, oxygen therapy, beta blockers, anti-thyroid drugs, iodine, steroids, and supportive management to control anxiety and organ stress.

Dr Reddy stresses the urgency of recognising early symptoms and seeking prompt medical care to prevent fatal outcomes.