Final answer:
Thyroid storm is treated with antithyroid drugs that suppress the production of thyroid hormones. The necessity for lifelong thyroid medication depends on the disorder's cause, and radioiodine therapy is another treatment for overactive thyroid. Treatment duration and follow-up vary with individual cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treating Thyroid Storm
Thyroid storm is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. Antithyroid drugs are often used to control the overproduction of thyroid hormones, as seen in conditions such as Grave's disease. Medications like thiocyanate, perchlorate, and ouabain help inhibit iodine uptake by the gland, while thiourea and thiouracil inhibit thyroperoxidase, an enzyme necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis.
In some thyroid disorders, there is a misconception that medication must be taken for life; however, this isn't always the case. The necessity for lifelong medication depends on the cause of the disorder. It's true that some forms of hypothyroidism may require lifetime medication, particularly when the hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis or after surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Yet, in other cases, such as hypothyroidism triggered by pregnancy, medication may not be needed indefinitely.
Radioiodine (I-131) Therapy is another treatment option for overactive thyroid conditions that involves using radioactive iodine to target the thyroid gland. This treatment helps to reduce the excessive hormonal output of the gland. Moreover, in hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone supplements are used, and their levels must be carefully monitored to ensure proper dosage and maintain hormone balance.
Treatment for thyroid disorders varies on individual diagnoses and may take weeks or months for hormone levels to normalize and symptoms to subside.