Cytokine Storm 101: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment 2023
Cytokine storm syndrome refers to a group of related medical conditions in which the immune system is producing too many inflammatory signals, sometimes leading to organ failure and death. It is not considered a disease in itself, but rather a serious medical issue that can happen because of several different underlying issues. It is also sometimes called cytokine release syndrome, CRS, or just cytokine storm. Cytokine storm has received more attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we are learning more every day, cytokine storm seems to be at least part of the reason some people develop life-threatening symptoms from COVID-19. This may also explain why younger people and those with a healthy immune system and without pre-existing health conditions tend to have an easier time. Their bodies may release lower levels of cytokines creating just enough inflammation for healing. McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2020 What Is Cytokine Storm? Broadl...