The cause of Graves disease is unknown, but genetics play a role in the disease’s development. It usually develops in people who are under 40, although it can also be triggered by an external factor. Women are seven to eight times more likely to develop Graves disease than men. Depending on the symptoms and family history, lab tests can help diagnose the condition. A physical examination and medical history may also help the doctor narrow the diagnosis.
Treatments
The treatments available for Graves disease depend on the individual’s symptoms. People with the disease may experience thick skin or lesions over their lower feet or legs. This is called pretibial myxedema. Patients with Graves’ disease should seek medical attention if they experience shaky hands or a rapid heartbeat. If the condition is not treated early, it can lead to an extremely serious and potentially fatal condition called a thyroid storm.
Some people with Graves’ disease may develop an enlarged thyroid gland called a goiter. This bulge is often visible and can cause problems with swallowing, breathing, and sleeping. In severe cases, the condition can cause vision loss, which is why treatment for Graves’ disease is important.
Antithyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU) block the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. They are safer than other medications for hyperthyroidism, but they have side effects. The use of these drugs for twelve to eighteen months may result in a prolonged remission in about 20% of patients with Graves’ disease.
Treatment for Graves disease should begin with a consultation with your doctor. Your doctor will assess your signs and symptoms and check your laboratory results. He may even order radiographic studies to visualize your thyroid gland better. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks of different treatments to help you determine the best one for your condition.
Graves disease symptoms may occur at any age. They may also affect the skin and eyes. Symptoms usually appear gradually over time and may include a variety of symptoms. However, some of these symptoms may occur all at once.
Complications
Graves disease is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It can result in a high fever (104-106 degrees Fahrenheit) and a fast heart rate (140 or more beats per minute). Additionally, symptoms of Graves’ disease can include changes in your appetite and difficulty digesting food, as well as trembling and agitation. A physician can diagnose Graves disease and develop a treatment plan that will alleviate symptoms.
There are several treatments available for Graves’ disease, including radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and medications. These treatments are effective, but can cause unwanted side effects. Radioactive iodine therapy works to reduce overproduction of thyroid hormone, while medications block the thyroid’s ability to produce it. These medications can cause skin rashes, low white blood cells, and increased risks of infection. Rare side effects can also include liver disease.
Other complications of Graves disease include a rapid rise in thyroid hormones called a thyroid storm. This condition can lead to fever, vomiting, seizures, and even unconsciousness. While it is rare, this severe condition requires emergency medical attention and should be monitored closely. Early diagnosis of Graves disease is key to limiting the risks of complications.
Graves disease can also cause swelling of the eyelids, resulting in eyelids that bulge out of their sockets. Symptoms include puffy eyelids, pressure inside the eyes, and redness. Other symptoms include thick, red skin on the shins and tops of the feet. While most people do not experience these symptoms, they are possible side effects of Graves disease.
A doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s symptoms and diagnose Graves disease. The diagnosis is based on a detailed patient history and clinical evaluation, and may involve blood tests to measure thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Blood tests may also detect antibodies that cause Graves disease. Treatment for Graves disease involves antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine therapy. Depending on the severity of Graves’ disease, surgery may be recommended.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from Graves disease, your first step should be to visit your doctor. He or she will perform a thyroid blood test and determine if you have Graves disease or another type of thyroid disorder. The doctor may prescribe antithyroid drugs and beta-blockers, which can help ease your symptoms until you are able to find other treatments.
Graves disease is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are five to 10 times more likely to develop the condition than men. Signs of the disease may include bulging eyelids, skin conditions, and a lowered TSH level. Patients may also experience lighter menstrual periods.
Thyroid function tests can also reveal if the thyroid gland is overactive. Blood tests can detect TSH receptor antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Other tests can confirm the diagnosis, such as MRI or CT scan. Radioactive iodine therapy is an option for patients with Graves disease. The drug destroys overactive cells and causes the thyroid gland to shrink. The treatment usually lasts for several weeks, and symptoms may decrease or disappear.
A blood test is another way to confirm a Graves disease diagnosis. TPO antibodies are antibodies that indicate that your immune system is attacking your thyroid gland. However, this test is not conclusive, and 5-10% of healthy people test positive. In addition, the test does not specify the severity of Graves disease.
The treatment for Graves disease may include beta-blockers. Beta-blockers help regulate the heart’s rate and protect it while other treatments take effect. But, these drugs are not for long-term use, and can have undesirable side effects. They may cause liver damage, skin rashes, or a low white blood cell count. They may also result in the need for thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Treatments for Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Graves’ ophthalmopathy, also known as Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), is a disease that affects the eye. It typically affects two to seven percent of patients with Graves’ disease and results in a loss of vision in one or both eyes. A major symptom of TAO is proptosis, or the inability to gaze upward. It is often unilateral in onset but can become bilateral with time.
Treatments for Graves’ ocularmopathy vary based on the severity of the disease. For mild cases, doctors may prescribe eye drops, dark contact lenses, or prisms to reduce diplopia. However, patients with moderate-to-severe disease may need to take medication or undergo surgery. Regular follow-ups are necessary to determine whether the condition has progressed and requires a more aggressive treatment.
The use of immunotherapy may help improve the condition. Selenium plays a role in normal thyroid hormone production. Researchers have found that treatment with selenium improved participants’ quality of life. While selenium therapy did not improve disease progression as rapidly as placebo therapy, it significantly improved the quality of life.
Graves’ ophthalmopathy is a medical condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland. It can cause a number of other symptoms including weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and sweating. It can also affect the skin and eyes. If left untreated, Graves’ ophthalmopathy can cause swelling, irritated eyes, and bulging eyes.
Although there is no effective cure for Graves’ ophthalmology, some treatments have proven beneficial. Radiotherapy is one such treatment, and patients with the condition may benefit from 20 Gy administered over 10 fractions. The treatment is usually preceded by intravenous steroids.
Risk factors for developing Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid that can lead to a number of symptoms, including eye, skin, and heart problems. It also has been associated with depression and anxiety. While the condition is usually caused by genetics, environmental factors and emotional stressors can also be contributing factors. Clinical trials are underway to develop treatments for the disease and eventually find a cure.
The disease is more common in women than in men, but it affects men more severely. Genetic differences have been found in patients, although their role in susceptibility is not fully understood. Some studies suggest that poor mechanical factors are also associated with GO susceptibility, but these findings need further investigation. Tobacco smoking is a well-documented risk factor for GO. Those who smoke tobacco have the highest risk of having a negative GO outcome.
A family history of Graves’ disease increases the risk of developing the disease. People with other autoimmune disorders are also at a higher risk of developing the condition. Stressful life events, such as pregnancy, may also increase the risk. Furthermore, smoking affects the immune system. Smoking can worsen symptoms of Graves’ disease.
Another risk factor for developing Graves’ disease is a family history of thyroid disease. Those with Graves’ disease are more likely to develop Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which can lead to retracted eyelids, bulging eyes, and swelling around the eyes. This condition usually improves on its own, but more serious cases can lead to vision loss.
Pregnancy and hyperthyroidism are also risk factors for Graves’ disease. Smoking affects the immune system and may lead to Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Chronic stress can also affect the immune system, leading to an inflammatory state. People with hyperthyroidism can also develop brittle bones and heart problems.
