What is a characteristic of hypothyroidism?

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults are fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, change in voice, and dry skin, but the clinical presentation can include a wide variety of symptoms that differ with age, sex, and time between onset and diagnosis (table 1).

What is the difference between hypothyroidism and myxedema?

Myxedema coma is a rare and extreme complication of hypothyroidism with multiple organ abnormalities associated with altered sensorium, it can be fatal. Hypothyroid patients exhibit multiple physiologic alterations to compensate for the deficiency of thyroid hormone.

What is a myxedema?

Myxedema is a term generally used to denote severe hypothyroidism. Myxedema is also used to describe the dermatologic changes that occur in hypothyroidism and occasionally hyperthyroidism.

What are the three types of hypothyroidism?

In hypothyroidism, your thyroid doesn’t produce enough of these hormones. This is also known as an underactive thyroid. There are three types of hypothyroidism: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

How is myxedema diagnosed?

It often is possible to diagnose myxedema on clinical grounds alone. Characteristic symptoms are weakness, cold intolerance, mental and physical slowness, dry skin, typical facies, and hoarse voice. Results of the total serum thyroxine and free thyroxine index tests usually will confirm the diagnosis.

What happens during a myxedema crisis?

Myxedema crisis is a severe life threatening form of decompensated hypothyroidism which is associated with a high mortality rate. Infections and discontinuation of thyroid supplements are the major precipitating factors while hypothermia may not play a major role in tropical countries.

What is the difference between myxedema and edema?

Myxedema affecting the lower legs, known as pretibial edema, is the most common type. Periorbital edema, or edema around the eyes, is also often seen and results in swollen eyelids. Angioedema refers to the localized swelling of the skin.

How does hypothyroidism affect the body?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.

What is a nursing diagnosis for hypothyroidism?

Based on the assessment data, the nursing diagnoses appropriate for a patient with hypothyroidism are: Activity intolerance related to fatigue and depressed cognitive process. Risk for imbalanced body temperature related to cold intolerance. Constipation related to depressed gastrointestinal function.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues
  • Fatigue.
  • Weight gain.
  • Weight loss.
  • Slowed heart rate.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Sensitivity to heat.
  • Sensitivity to cold.

What organs are affected by thyroid?

Thyroid hormone affects virtually every organ system in the body, including the heart, CNS, autonomic nervous system, bone, GI, and metabolism.