Definition for Thyroid Storm
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Thyroid storm can actually be said to be a more intense form of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. This usually happens to persons whose thyroid gland is overactive and starts to produce too much of the thyroid hormone. Thyroid storm is an unusual but life-threatening emergency, which requires immediate treatment. It is a sudden acute form of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is situated in the neck below the voice box. It produces hormones that control your weight, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. When this gland is overactive, hyperthyroidism develops. Thyroid storm is a condition that develops in a person with hyperthyroidism when the level of thyroid hormones suddenly become very high worsening the symptoms. This can be fatal, if not treated immediately. The most important feature of this condition is the body temperature, which becomes very high.
Is thyroid storm dangerous?
Thyroid storm is a very dangerous condition. Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature of a person having thyroid storm, can reach dangerously high levels and can be life-threatening. If you even have a small doubt of having thyroid storm, then you must immediately be admitted to a hospital. If thyroid storm is not treated within hours, then a heart attack could be the result.
