Myxedema is manifested by fluid retention in the tissues

Myxedema is a dangerous manifestation of underproduction  thyroid hormones. It happens that the patient is not aware of hormonal disorders in the body until he comes to the dermatologist with complaints of persistent bags under the eyes, falling hair and dry skin. It is very important that the doctor, based on the complaints of such a patient, pay attention to the distinct external signs of hormonal failure and recommend an endocrinologist consultation so that joint therapy is more successful.

 Myxedema develops against the background of a thyroid disease caused by inflammation or tumor, iodine deficiency or a malfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. With myxedema, such important thyroid hormones as thyroxine and triiodothyronine are poorly produced, the content of glycoproteins increases in the intercellular spaces, protein metabolism is disturbed, due to which fluid is retained in the tissues and the patient begins to complain of severe swelling.

In rare cases, myxedema is complicated by fluid and electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, and even coma, and if left untreated, it can lead to death. Therefore, it is very important for a dermatologist and endocrinologist to know the external manifestations of myxedema and prescribe treatment in a timely manner.

 Symptoms of myxedema and additional manifestations of the disease

The main diagnostic signs of myxedema can be considered as follows:

• puffiness of the face, puffiness under the eyes that do not go away even after a long sleep;
• brittle hair with split ends, increased hair loss, exfoliating brittle nails;
• skin is dry and pale, sometimes with a yellowish tinge.

The patient complains of constant chilliness, drowsiness and lethargy, changes in the timbre of the voice and intelligibility of speech, decreased body tone, pain in the heart.

Myxedema has distinct external manifestations in the form of an increase in the patient's body weight and puffiness of the limbs; when questioning the patient, it indicates nausea, flatulence, constipation, often menstrual irregularities, loss of appetite, lowering blood pressure, joint pain.

 Diagnosis and treatment of myxedema: features of therapy

Based on laboratory and research, ultrasound determines the level of TSH in the blood serum and determines the degree of damage  thyroid gland. The appointment and control of treatment is carried out by a specialist endocrinologist together with a dermatologist and doctors of other specialties.

The main treatment for myxedema is hormonal therapy, sometimes continuing throughout the patient's life. In parallel, symptomatic treatment is prescribed.

At the same time, the patient is recommended to correct the daily menu in the direction of increasing the amount of iodine-containing products (sea fish, seafood), as well as adding iodized salt to already prepared meals.