What is Graves' disease?
The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are greatly involved in the normal functioning of metabolism.In some condition, the secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland, and thir release from depot may be increased, in such situations there is wide range of different symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism is a set of symptoms caused by an increased level of secretion and releasing of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland itself. This condition should be distinguished from thyrotoxicosis in which the function the thyroid gland is normal, but there is an increased secretion of these hormones from other places in the body (some tumors that produce hormones) or hormones are released from the gland itself during its tissue destruction due to any cause.However, most of the doctors equates terms of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.
Most commonly hyperthyroidism occurs in diffuse toxic goiter (Graves' disease), multinodular toxic goiter (Plummer's disease) and thyroid adenoma. Graves-Basedow disease is the most common cause of increased secretion of thyroid hormones in the body, and is an autoimmune disease (antibodies against the body's own tissues). Most frequently mentioned antibodies are antithyreoglobulin antibodies and anti peroxidase antibody. They increase secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland, as well as they stimulate production of hormones in the gland tissue. The cause of Graves' disease is not fully understood, but it is assumed that there is a hereditary predisposition.
Statistics show that Graves' disease represents 70% of all the causes for all forms of hyperthyroidism. Annualy appears at every 500 people, more frequently occurring among Caucasians and Asians than among members of the black population. Also, about five times more common in females than in males.
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Graves' disease symptoms
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Hyperactivity
- Heat intolerance
- Weight loss despite increased appetite,
- Irregular menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea)
- Tremors (involuntary twitches fist)
- Warm skin
- Increased sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Feeling the pounding beat (palpitations)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- Muscle weakness
- Edema in front of the neck (goiter)
- Eyes are protruding (exophthalmos)
- Edema of the hands and feet
- Hair and nails become brittle
- Rapid mood changes
- There is also a certain aesthetic effect of the enlarged glands, especially in females
- Compression of surrounding tissues and organs by enlarged glandwhich can lead to:
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and
- Hoarseness
How is Graves' disease diagnosed?
Medical history with a typical clinical picture and objective examination are sufficient to suspect on Graves' disease.
It is necessary to make a laboratory analysis in terms of determining the level of thyroid hormones and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in the blood.
They are serological tests designed to prove the presence of autoantibodies in the blood.
Ultrasound and thyroid is routinely performed, as well as the thyroid scintigraphy with radioactive iodine, which shows increased accumulation of iodine in the gland.
Very rarely used scanner (computed tomography) or MRI are used, they are reserved for cases with compression of surrounding tissues and organs and for preoperative preparation.
Graves' disease treatment
Symptomatic therapy involves the use of beta-blockers. Antithyroid drugs (propylthiouracil and metamizol) are slowing down and preventing the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and therefore all the symptoms and signs are reduced or disappear.
Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) is often used (radioactive iodine destroys thyroid tissue and thus reduce the symptoms and signs of increased effects of its hormones).
In hyperthyroid children, pregnant women, very large goiter and in patients who refuse radioactive iodine therapy surgical treatment that involves subtotal and total thyroidectomy should be considered (surgical removal of the thyroid gland tissue).
Text: simptomi.rs
Translator; MD V. Comagic
Image: flickr.com
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