Graves' disease: causes, symptoms, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is Graves' disease?

Basedow, or commonly referred to as Graves' disease, is a disorder of the immune system that causes the thyroid gland to become aggressive. The thyroid is an endocrine gland that has an important role and is located in the neck where thyroid hormones are produced to control body activities. If the thyroid gland is overactive and produces more thyroid hormone, it will cause hyperthyroidism.

How common is Graves' disease?

Graves' disease is a disease that affects women more often than men. You can prevent this disease by reducing the existing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Graves' disease?

Signs and symptoms of Graves' disease are:

• Restless or anxious
• Often feels very tired, weak, and not energized
• Chest larger than usual (in males)
• Decreased concentration or difficulty concentrating
• Vision problems, blurred or double vision (1 object is visible 2)
• Bulge of the eyeball (exophthalmia)
• Goiter appears
• Urinating frequently
• Sweating easily
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• The body was shaking
• Weight loss drastically

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns regarding this disease, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or you have questions about Graves' disease, please consult your doctor as human conditions vary.

Cause

What causes Graves' disease?

Graves' disease is caused by a disorder of the immune system, known as an autoimmune disease. This condition causes the immune system to slowly attack the tissues in your body and results in abnormalities in the thyroid gland. That's why the thyroid gland secretes more hormones than usual.

Graves' disease is an inherited disease. Even so, this disease is not contagious.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Graves' disease?

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing Graves' disease are:

• If your parents, grandparents, or siblings have a history of this disease, then you are at risk of experiencing it too.
• Women have a higher risk than men.
• Tends to occur in people under 40 years of age.
• People who have immune disorders such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) tend to be more at risk of developing this disease.
• Mental and physical stress.
• Is pregnant.
• Smoke.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for Graves' disease?

Doctors will usually prescribe beta blockers to treat fast heartbeats, sweating, and feeling anxious. Graves' disease causes hyperthyroidism which can be treated by lowering the thyroid hormone levels in your body by taking drugs, radioactive iodine or having surgery. However, in cases of surgery or use of radioactive rays, you will likely need to take a lifetime of replacement thyroid hormone intake.

Some eye diseases caused by Graves' can be treated with radioactive iodine, drugs, and surgery. However, radioactive iodine is usually not very effective and can cause damage to your eyes. The doctor will give you a steroid inhibitor for immunity (prednisone) or eye drops to help reduce irritation and swelling in the eye.

In addition, you can also use a clean cloth to cover your eyes while sleeping to avoid dryness of the eyes. The doctor will perform surgery or other radioactive methods if necessary.

What are the usual tests for Graves' disease?

The doctor will diagnose the patient based on the family history and symptoms of the disease. The doctor can draw blood for testing. Additionally, you may be tested using x-rays, CT scans, or radioactive iodine.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat Graves' disease?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with Graves' disease are

• Take regular medication as your doctor recommends.
• Do exercise on a regular basis if allowed.
• Have your eyes checked at least once a year or more.
• If you smoke, try to quit smoking. If you don't smoke, try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.