In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
What is myxedema? What are the causes of the appearance of edema? Is it possible for myxedema to be asymptomatic? What symptoms should be worrying? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
What is myxedema?
Good day. I would like to ask what it is myxedema and what are its causes? I am asking on behalf of my mother, whose doctor began to suspect myxedema after recent tests. Mom has Hashimoto’s disease and has been treated by an endocrinologist for many years, but there have never been any indications for any additional thyroid problemsand even more so to myxedema. First of all, I would like to know what myxedema is.
Supposedly diagnosis of myxedema Mum still requires additional tests, for which she was referred, but I would like to know if myxedema is dangerous to her health. I am also surprised that my mother did not notice any major changes in her well-being. What are in this connection symptoms of myxedema? Theoretically something disturbing came out in the research, but is it possible that my mother did not have symptoms of myxoedema? I know that thyroid diseases can develop asymptomatically, but maybe my mother just ignored the symptoms of myxedema, and yet I would like to know what to look for, even for the future.
The doctor explains the causes of myxedema
Mucoid swelling is called Gull’s disease. This is a condition that develops in the course of an underactive thyroid gland, usually Hashimoto’s disease. As a result of the accumulation of hydrophilic mucopolysaccharides (water-binding compounds) in the subcutaneous tissue, tissue swelling occurs. Normally, thyroid hormones prevent the build-up of these compounds. Swelling of the face, around the eyelids changes facial features. Often the doctor, suspecting this disease, asks for a photo of the patient from an earlier period to be able to compare the appearance to the current condition.
As a result of myxedema, the face becomes sad, masked, without energy. The patient shows poor facial expressions. Due to the swelling of the eyelids, the patient may have blurred vision. The symptoms of myxedema are accompanied by other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Patients’ skin is usually cold, pale, there is reduced sweating, hyperkeratosis of the epidermis. The hair of patients with hypothyroidism is dry, brittle and has a tendency to fall out. In developed hypothyroidism, we observe bradycardia (pathologically slow heartbeat), weakened heart rate, low blood pressure.
You may have a hoarse voice due to the enlarged tongue and thickening of the vocal cords. Patients usually suffer from chronic constipation. We observe weight gain, weakness and fatigue. Menstrual disorders may occur in women. Mental disorders, including depression, often occur. It can be a serious complication coma in the course of myxedema. The cause of its occurrence may be a coexisting systemic disease, accompanying infection, heart attack, gastrointestinal bleeding, or taking medications.
Then we can observe a decrease in body temperature, decrease in blood pressure, low blood sugar, decrease in muscle tension, electrolyte disturbances, dementia, coma and shock. Appropriate treatment of hypothyroidism and comorbidities is important, as well as regular medical monitoring.
— Lek. Anna Mitchke
The editorial board recommends:
- Are raw eggs harmful to your health?
- What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
- What Causes Kidney Pain In Pregnancy?
For a long time you have not been able to find the cause of your ailments or are you still looking for it? Do you want to tell us your story or draw attention to a common health problem? Write to the address [email protected] #Together we can do more
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.