Status asthmaticus associated with hyperthyroidism

The syndrome of asthma and hyperthyroidism is uncommon and has been reported to occur approximately once every three hundred admissions for asthma. The frequency may be higher with an increased awareness; however, when this syndrome is present, it is usually associated with a very severe form of asthma necessitating frequent emergency treatment and hospitalization. Although severe asthma alone or together with side effects of drugs used in its treatment may mimic many symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, an awareness of this syndrome will enable one to easily establish the diagnosis. In these cases, the hyperthyroidism may be iodide induced especially in those patients with diffuse or nodule thyroid goiter. Since this form of hyperthyroidism may be self-limiting, initial treatment should include a trial of propylthiouracil or methimazole up to six months. Medical therapy of the hyperthyroid results in dramatic improvement of the asthma.