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What are the causes of thyroid storm (hyperthyroid crisis)?

Aug 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of thyroid storm include a large release of thyroid hormones in a short period of time, decreased stress capacity of the body, infection, surgical or traumatic stimuli, and irregular discontinuation of antithyroid medications. If symptoms such as high fever and tachycardia occur, immediate medical attention and emergency treatment are required. In daily life, patients with hyperthyroidism must strictly follow medical advice for treatment.

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of thyroid storm include a large and rapid release of thyroid hormones, decreased stress tolerance of the body, infections, surgical or traumatic stimuli, and improper discontinuation of antithyroid medications. If symptoms such as high fever and tachycardia occur, immediate medical attention and treatment are required. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Large and rapid release of thyroid hormones

Various factors can cause rupture of thyroid follicles, leading to a sudden release of large amounts of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, triggering systemic metabolic disturbances. Immediate administration of propylthiouracil tablets under medical guidance is necessary to inhibit hormone synthesis, combined with compound iodine solution to reduce hormone release, thereby rapidly lowering hormone levels.

2. Decreased stress tolerance of the body

Patients with hyperthyroidism experience long-term metabolic hyperactivity, which exhausts the body's reserves and impairs its ability to compensate under stress, making thyroid storm more likely. Daily attention should be given to rest, avoiding excessive fatigue, enhancing nutritional support, supplementing proteins and vitamins, and strengthening the body's resistance.

3. Infections

Infections increase the metabolic burden on the body, stimulate increased secretion of thyroid hormones, and trigger thyroid storm. It is necessary to promptly identify the source of infection and use antibiotics under medical guidance, such as ceftriaxone sodium injection, levofloxacin injection, azithromycin injection, etc., to control the spread of infection.

4. Surgical or traumatic stimuli

Improper thyroid surgery or other severe trauma may lead to a sudden increase in thyroid hormone secretion, inducing thyroid storm. Preoperative strict control of thyroid function and close postoperative monitoring of vital signs are essential; after trauma, wounds should be treated promptly, and thyroid function should be closely monitored to prevent thyroid storm.

5. Improper discontinuation of antithyroid medications

Sudden discontinuation of antithyroid medications such as methimazole tablets will result in uncontrolled thyroid hormone synthesis and a rapid increase in hormone levels, inducing thyroid storm. Patients should strictly follow medical advice regarding medication, avoid stopping or adjusting doses without guidance, and any changes in treatment should be carried out gradually under medical supervision.

In daily life, patients with hyperthyroidism should strictly adhere to medical advice, avoid infections and excessive stress, regularly review thyroid function, adjust medication timely, carry emergency medications, and seek immediate medical attention if discomfort occurs to reduce the risk of thyroid storm.

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