When to Seek Medical Care
People who have hypothyroidism and develop fever, changes in behavior or mental status, Shortness of breath, or increased swelling of the hands and feet should be taken to an emergency department.
Self-Care at Home
If you have hypothyroidism, be alert to your condition.
- Call your doctor if you are concerned.
- Check your blood sugar level if you are diabetic.
- Warm yourself up with a warm blanket and seek help.
- Take your prescribed thyroid medication if you missed them earlier.
People with myxedema coma are in a coma or nearly in a coma. They are not able to function normally. Friends or family members should take them to an emergency department immediately. Friends or family members should not give the person in myxedema coma any thyroid medication before taking him or her to the emergency department. If adrenal insufficiency is present, then administration of thyroxin (in the thyroid medication) will provoke an adrenal crisis.
Prevention
Myxedema coma can be prevented with early treatment of hypothyroidism, taking thyroid medication regularly, and recognition of the warning symptoms of myxedema coma.
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