Graves disease

Symptoms Of Graves Disease: Also known as Graves –Basedow disease, it is a medical term for an autoimmune disease, characteristic of several other disorders and symptoms like goitre, hyperthyroidism and protrusion of the eyes. Observations indicate that genetic defects may be the root cause. Symptoms related to cardiac, endrocine, dermatological, neurological, and gastrointestinal or opthalmological disorders are common for a patient suffering from the Grave’s disease. Increased heart rate, congestive cardiac failure, weight loss with increase in appetite, intolerance to heat, excess sweating, tremors, weakness, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and thyroid eye disease are some of the warning signs.

Treatment Of Graves Disease: Information on this disease indicates that the ratio of middle-aged women suffering from this disease is more than men. Incidence of this disease occurring in adolescents during pregnancy, women during menopause or old people over the age of 50 is common. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis with the aid of biopsy and symptoms of the Graves disease helps in determining the extent and method of treatment. Administration of antithyroid drugs or treatment with radioactive iodine helps in reducing production of thyroid hormones. Antithyroid medications are prescribed for a period of six months to two years depending on the severity. However, there are chances of hyperthyroid occurring again after the completion of the treatment. Side effects include severe reduction in white cells and other reactions, which do not stop after the medication has been stopped. Treatment with antithyroid drug therapy for pregnant women suffering from the Graves disease can be dangerous for the foetus because they cross the placenta and are secreted in breast milk. RAI or radioactive iodine is mostly suitable to people of all age groups and are usually used when medical or surgical therapy is not possible. Major drawback of this method is hypothyroidism, a disorder usually prevalent in those parts of the world where iodine is lacking in the diet. Another option is the surgical excision of the thyroid. Surgery is suitable for pregnant patients with large goitre, suspected cancer and patients with opthalmopathy. Surgical excision of the thyroid gland offers immediate relief. However, there is risk of scarring and development of other life-threatening conditions.

Thyroid EYE disease- a common symptom of GRAVES DISEASE: Protrusion of the eyes is one of the disorders of the Graves disease. Incomplete lid closure due to severe bulging of the eyes leads to severe dryness and corneal infection in patients suffering from the Graves disease, which could ultimately result in blindness. Autoantibodies may also cross-react with the optic nerves and muscles, resulting in enlargement and of the eye. Enlargement of the eye can cause lack of proper movement and coordination of the eyes resulting in double vision. Development of this disease can produce severe exopthalmos (bulging eyeballs) and a cosmetic change in the appearance of the eyes.

The True Picture Of Graves Disease: Though the causes are unknown, researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors are responsible for its development. It is an autoimmune disease, which usually develops, suddenly in the later stages of life. The disease can lead to hyperthyroidism, which is a life threatening condition. Autoantibodies produced by the body activate the cells, which causes increased production of thyroid hormones. Although the exact cause is not yet clear, studies suggest that a cross reaction by the body to a viral disease may be responsible. Few cases give us the picture that some people are genetically more prone to the Graves disease than others. Common symptoms like goitre and severe bulging of the eyes is helpful in determining the exact picture of the Graves disease. Medical treatment includes antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy. Although therapy with radioactive iodine is very common all over the world, prescription of drugs and surgery is used more frequently in Japan. Radioactive iodine is more effective, affordable and safer than the other methods. If not treated on time, possibilities of developing more serious complications like birth defects, miscarriage and death are high. If left untreated it could result in further heart problems and total loss of vision.