What is Graves’?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. In this disease, the body’s immune system abnormally attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to overproduce thyroid hormones. Graves’ autoimmune disorder causes increased thyroid activity and increased production of thyroid hormones. This increased activity may lead to an increase in thyroid volume (goiter), increased secretion of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), and other symptoms associated with this condition.
What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease?
Symptoms of Graves’ disease can include:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety and irritability
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Sweating
- Hand tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Eye protrusion (in some cases)
Symptoms of goiter:
- Swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
In addition to the cases mentioned, this disease may also be associated with eye symptoms. These symptoms can appear as changes in vision or sensitivity to light. Also, redness, dryness, excessive tearing, low and blurred vision, restriction of eye movement, double vision and protrusion of the eyes from their place are other symptoms of this disease.
What are the causes of Graves’ disease?
Researchers don’t know what causes autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease. Something triggers your immune system to overproduce an antibody called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). TSI attaches to healthy thyroid cells, causing your thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormones.
The exact cause of Graves’ disease is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors play a role in its occurrence. In general, the following factors are involved in the occurrence of this disease:
- Genetics: According to research, it has been observed that in families where there are people with Graves’ disease, the probability of contracting this disease is high. This issue indicates the influence of genetic factors in the development of Graves’ disease.
- Environmental factors: Environmental factors may also play a role in the occurrence of Graves. Some of the environmental factors that may trigger or worsen Graves’ disease include stress factors, infections, and smoking.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine deficiency can lead to overactive thyroid and as a result Graves’ disease.
- Stress
- Virus/infection
- Pregnancy
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How is Graves’ disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Graves’ disease is done by blood test and physical examination. In some cases, an ultrasound or thyroid scan may also be necessary.
Graves’ disease is diagnosed based on medical history, clinical symptoms, and tests. Some of the diagnostic steps are:
Medical records and clinical examination:
The doctor will first talk with you and ask about your medical records. He may also ask questions about your symptoms, activities of daily living, family history, and history of infections. Then, by examining the clinical symptoms, it evaluates the possibility of Graves.
Thyroid tests:
blood tests such as measurement of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) and tests related to antithyroid antibodies (such as antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroid globulin) are performed. In Graves’ disease, T3 and T4 are usually high and TSH is low.
Thyroid antibody blood tests:
These tests help identify different types of autoimmune thyroid conditions. The two types of antibodies linked with Graves’ disease include TSI (thyroid-stimulating antibodies) and TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulins).
Thyroid ultrasound:
This ultrasound imaging shows the size and structure of the thyroid. In Graves’ disease, an enlarged thyroid (goiter) and multiple goiters (warm nodules) may be seen.
Thyroid scan with radioactive iodine (RAI):
This test examines iodine absorption by the thyroid. In Graves, iodine absorption is very high.
Eye test (eye tear test):
In some people with Graves’ eye tear test (using an instillation) may be an indicator of increased intraocular pressure due to a warm goiter.
Graves’ final diagnosis is based on a combination of the aforementioned information and other medical considerations. If Graves’ diagnosis is confirmed, the appropriate treatment plan will be determined by your doctor.
How is Graves’ disease treated?
Treatment of Graves’ disease depends on various factors such as age, severity of symptoms and general health of the patient. Treatment methods are:
Anti-thyroid drugs:
Antithyroid medications: Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil, block your thyroid’s production of thyroid hormone. In a small percentage of people, these medications cause skin rashes and low white blood cell count, which may increase your risk of infection. Rarely, liver disease develops. These drugs are used to reduce the production of thyroid hormones.
Radioactive radiation:
This method destroys thyroid cells and reduces the production of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid surgery:
In severe cases, it may be necessary to completely or partially remove the thyroid gland.
What are the complications of Graves’ disease?
If left untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to serious complications such as heart problems, osteoporosis, and fertility problems. This disease may give symptoms in the form of hyperthyroidism and can have many complications. Some of the common symptoms and complications of Graves’ disease are:
People with Graves may have increased appetite and weight gain due to increased thyroid activity.
increased secretion of thyroid hormones causes increased heart rate and a feeling of speed and instability of the heart rate.
: People with Graves’ may experience tremors in the hands or other parts of the body.
Increased thyroid activity may lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and reduced tolerance for daily activities.
Patients may feel heatstroke or increased sensitivity to heat.
Difficulty sleeping, increased nightmares, and insomnia may be sleep problems.
Patients may be sensitive to light and sound.
Changes in the skin may include excessive moisture, warm and soft skin, as well as hair loss.
Some patients may experience eye problems that include redness, dryness, swelling, and even increased pressure inside the eye (goitre).
What should be done to prevent Graves’ disease?
In general, there is no sure way to prevent Graves’ disease, but by controlling risk factors such as stress and smoking, you can reduce the risk of developing it. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder and often cannot be completely prevented. However, some measures may help reduce the risk of developing the disease. Of course, it’s always important to consult your doctor before making any decisions
Here are some tips to manage your thyroid health and possibly reduce your risk of developing Graves’ disease:
Consuming foods containing iodine: Consuming foods containing iodine can help balance the thyroid. The richest sources of iodine include shrimp, fish, sea vegetables, iodized salt, and dairy products.
Stress control: Stress may affect the activity of the immune system and thyroid. Regular exercise, meditation techniques, and yoga may help manage stress.
Need for hydrogen: Consuming hydrogen (an iodine-containing substance) in food or dietary supplements, especially in iodine-deficient areas, can help thyroid health. If you are in an area with iodine deficiency problem, it is useful to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate amount of iodine.
Avoiding smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of some thyroid disorders. Therefore, it is important to avoid tobacco use.
Weight control and regular physical activity: Maintaining a healthy weight and doing regular physical activity can help control the balance of hormones and prevent some thyroid disorders.
Regular follow-up with your doctor: If there are people in your family with Graves’ disease, it can be helpful to consult with your doctor and have regular follow-up of your thyroid status.
Note that these measures can help improve thyroid health and reduce the risk of some thyroid disorders, but they cannot completely prevent Graves’ disease. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and follow up regularly to evaluate the thyroid status.
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