Question 1

why is myxedema common in women?

Accepted Answer

Myxedema: Myxedema is not confined to women and there is limited evidence that it is more common in women.

Question 2

how concerned should i be of  myxedema coma?

Accepted Answer

Very concerned: With modern screening for hypothyroidism this isn't seen as commonly, but it is a life threatening condition that needs to be treated in a hospital. Frequently patients require intensive care and there can be deaths even when it is treated appropriately. It usually takes a long time to develop and regular health screenings should prevent it from ever getting to this stage.

Question 3

do symptoms like myxedema coma go away quickly?

Accepted Answer

May threaten life: Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition in which a patient has long-standing (usually unrecognized) hypothyroidism that is exacerbated by an acute illness (infection, drugs, other stresses to body), leading to multi-organ failure. The patient may need treatment for heart failure, hypothermia, breathing problems, dehydration, low glucose, low adrenal function among others.

Question 4

what will happen immediately prior to myxedema coma?

Accepted Answer

Myxedema coma: That is an unusual question. If you have any symptoms that are bad enough to ask that question go immediately to the Emergency Room.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: myxedema coma?

Accepted Answer

Coma: This is a state of unconsciousness, unresponsive to your environment or stimulation is the normal way.  Myxedema refers to a thyroid deficiency which can cause neurologic damage, and in extreme cases, coma.

Question 6

what is the difference between the diseases myxedema and cretinism?

Accepted Answer

Skin chges vs growth: Myxedema refers to edema of the skin in face or extremities due to low or high thyroid hormone levels. Cretinism is severe stunning of growth due to very low thyroid levels at birth

Question 7

why does hypothyroidism cause myxedema?

Accepted Answer

Myxedema: If your thyroid gland is not working you will not make any thyroid hormones and will develop myxedema.

That should never happen because as soon as that diagnosis is made you should be on thyroid hormone replacement.

Question 8

what's the onset of myxedema coma? (do people collapse, become drowsy etc.)

Accepted Answer

? thyroid storm ?: Myxedema is a condition caused by severe alterations in fluid balance due to thyroid disorder.  There can be swellings in various tissues including around the eyes and into the brain.  There is a hyper state with agitation (myxedema madness), or deterioration of consciousness with stupor and coma.  Usually there are early signs that the thyroid is out of control, but acute thyroid storm may occur.

Question 9

if hypothyroidism is untreated, can myxedema coma occur?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Although rare today, myxedema coma can occur after months of untreated hypothyroidism.

Question 10

can stopping armour thyroid for six weeks induce myxedema?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Depending on the cause of your hypothyroidism, stopping any thyroid supplementation (including armour) could cause severe hypothyroidism to the extent of myxedema coma.

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Doctor answers about:

Localized myxedema

A member asked:

Why is myxedema common in women?

A member asked:

How concerned should i be of myxedema coma?

A member asked:

Do symptoms like myxedema coma go away quickly?

A member asked:

What will happen immediately prior to myxedema coma?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: myxedema coma?

A member asked:

What is the difference between the diseases myxedema and cretinism?

A member asked:

Why does hypothyroidism cause myxedema?

A member asked:

What's the onset of myxedema coma? (do people collapse, become drowsy etc.)

A member asked:

If hypothyroidism is untreated, can myxedema coma occur?

A member asked:

Can stopping armour thyroid for six weeks induce myxedema?

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