Myxedema or myxoedema is a medical condition resulting from severe hypothyroidism, the lack of thyroid gland hormone. At this time the cause of most hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis, a disease where the body's immune system attacks the cells of the thyroid gland as if they were infectuous invaders. Thyroiditis is more common in women than in men, and has a genetic component (runs in families).
Myxoedema is hypothyroidism
Thyroid diasease
A potentially life-threatening complication of myxedema is myxedema coma, which is associated with severe longstanding hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is not common, but has been known to be most prevalent in the elderly and in women.
A decreased production of thyroid stimulating hormones can cause thickening and swelling of the skin. Myxedema is caused by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the skin. Glycosaminoglycans causes excessive skin swelling, which is the primary characteristic of myxedema.
There are certain health factors that can trigger myxedema coma. Besides poorly controlled hypothyroidism the onset of a myxedema coma can result from infection, hypothermia, not taking thyroid medication properly, or other severe health factors.
myxedema
myxedema
The thyroid gland is responsible for myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism characterized by swelling of the skin and other tissues. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and energy levels in the body.
The hormone whose production is inadequate in myxedema is thyroid hormone, specifically thyroxine (T4). Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This leads to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.
A decreased production of thyroid stimulating hormones can cause thickening and swelling of the skin. Myxedema is caused by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the skin. Glycosaminoglycans causes excessive skin swelling, which is the primary characteristic of myxedema. Besides thickening and swelling of the skin, symptoms of myxedema are similar to hypothyroidism such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, brittle hair, and dry skin.Related Article: Definition: What Is Myxedema?
Myxedema
myxedema
For myxedema coma, treatment may include breathing assistance and helping to get a patient's body temperature back to normal. Until it is determined that there isn't an infection in the body, a patient will be given antibiotics.