introduction
Graves’ disease is one of the well-known autoimmune disorder that majorly impregnates the thyroid gland, therefore causing hyperthyroidism. It is a condition whereby the thyroid itself is attacked by the body’s immune system and hence, it produces thyroxine hormones in large quantities. Known as Graves disease, after the man who first studied it in the 1830s, this disorder can take a rough toll on metabolism, energy and wellness.
read more: Graves’ disease – Symptoms and causes
Causes of Graves’ Disease
It is an autoimmune disorder where the patients’ immune systems produce thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs). These antibodies act to bind with the thyroid gland and this ensures that the gland releases more hormones than it should. However, the reason is not well understood; though genetic predispositions, stress and some others like infections and smoking are likely causes of the condition. Females are more at risk as compared to males and the disease mostly develops between ages 30-50.
Common Symptoms
Most of the symptoms that are associated with Graves’ disease are as a result of hyperthyroidism, which is the production of excess thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include:
1. Weight Loss: Still, there is a loss of weight since the lower has a high metabolic rate even if the appetite is normal or even more than normal.
2. Rapid Heart Rate and Palpitations: An ordinary symptom, which may develop into severe pathological failure of the heart if left untreated.
3. Goiter: Some of the clinical manifestations are; an enlarged heart that causes chest enlargement, visible swelling at the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland.
4. Graves’ Ophthalmopathy (Eye Disease): Eye inflammation, and oedema, dryness or vision changes in some instances with the eye balls swollen and bulging.
5. Anxiety and Tremors: Emotional stress or anxiety, hand tremor and increased irritability are feelings that are commonly seen in Graves’ disease.
6. Heat Sensitivity: Sweating more than what is normal and unable to tolerate heat.
Risk Factors
The following conditions are known to predispose a person to Graves’ disease. These include:
1. Genetics: Some of the modifiable risk factors for thyroid disorders include a past history of thyroid disorders or autoimmune related diseases, especially in the family.
2. Gender: It was reported that occurrence of Graves’ disease is higher among females than males.
3. Age and Other Autoimmune Disorders: It commonly arises in those of middle age and is a similarly common feature of other autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes.
Diagnosis of Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is diagnosed using a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as:Graves’ disease is diagnosed using a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as:
Blood Tests: These are used to look for a high level of T3 and T4 and low level of TSH in the body.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake: This one evaluates the level of iodine that the thyroid gland takes within the body to show its hyperfunctioning.
Ultrasound or Imaging: To measure the size of thyroid and check for any abnormally.
Treatment Options
There are several effective treatment options for Graves’ disease, each tailored to the severity of the condition and individual health needs:There are several effective treatment options for Graves’ disease, each tailored to the severity of the condition and individual health needs:
1. Anti-Thyroid Medications: These drugs for example methimazole reduce the secretion of thyroid hormones.
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This treatment helps in the elimination of over active thyroid tissue owing to its conductivity of radioactive iodine.
3. Surgery: In more severe conditions, thyroidectomy may be performed in which part or the whole gland is removed.
Managing Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is a chronic disease that also needs constant treatment, but the patients are normally allowed to lead ordinary lives. Continued checking of thyroid hormones levels is important and hence, changes in lifestyles including stress, avoiding cigarettes can keep the symptoms in check and hence, reduce chances of complications.
read more: Graves’ disease – Diagnosis and treatment
Conclusion
However, Graves’ disease being a chronic disease is not untreatable and can be controlled well with proper treatment. This gives individuals a chance to manage the illness together with the healthcare service providers hence enabling them to live healthy and productive lives.
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