What to do if a patient with hyperthyroidism has a fever
Patients with hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) need to pay special attention when they have a fever because their immunity may be affected due to their high metabolic rate. The following are methods and precautions for dealing with fever in patients with hyperthyroidism, compiled based on hot medical topics in the past 10 days.
1. Common causes of fever in patients with hyperthyroidism
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| infection | Bacterial or viral infections (such as influenza, respiratory infections) are the main causes of fever. |
| drug reaction | Antithyroid drugs (such as methimazole) may cause allergies or abnormal liver function, leading to fever. |
| hyperthyroid crisis | When hyperthyroidism is not controlled, high fever (>39°C) may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations and vomiting, requiring emergency medical treatment. |
2. Emergency treatment steps for fever
| steps | Specific operations |
|---|---|
| 1. Measure body temperature | Use an electronic thermometer to accurately measure and record body temperature changes. |
| 2. Physical cooling | When the body temperature is <38.5℃, you can wipe your armpits and neck with warm water; avoid wiping with alcohol. |
| 3. Drug selection | Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is safer; avoid ibuprofen (may worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism). |
| 4. Rehydration | Drink warm water or electrolyte drinks in small amounts and frequently to prevent dehydration. |
3. Situations that require medical treatment
You should seek medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
4. Recent hot topics
| hot events | Implications for patients with hyperthyroidism |
|---|---|
| High incidence of influenza in summer | Avoid crowded places and consult an endocrinologist before getting the flu vaccine. |
| Fever-reducing drug shortage warning | Keep a fever-reducing drug (such as acetaminophen) available for patients with hyperthyroidism at home. |
| Controversy over the use of new antibiotics | When using antibiotics in patients with hyperthyroidism, liver function must be evaluated to avoid interactions with antithyroid drugs. |
5. Long-term prevention suggestions
1.Monitor thyroid function regularly: Fever may affect FT3 and FT4 levels, which need to be reviewed after recovery.
2.Enhance immunity: Supplement vitamin D and selenium under the guidance of a doctor.
3.Body temperature diary: Record daily basal body temperature to facilitate comparison and judgment when having a fever.
Note: The information in this article is synthesized from the National Health Commission’s guidelines and interviews with experts in the endocrinology department of tertiary hospitals (updated in July 2023). Please strictly follow your doctor's instructions when taking specific medications.
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