What is Graves' disease?
-thyroid disease, in which thyroid hormones are in excess.
Graves' disease is caused by the production of more thyroid hormones than necessary. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating the body's metabolism, and when this hormone is in excess, the body becomes overactive and various symptoms appear.
It is relatively frequent among thyroid diseases, especially in women in their 20s to 40s, but can also occur in men and older people. With appropriate treatment, it can often be well controlled.
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Graves' disease.
Function of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a small organ located on the front of the neck, below the throat.
The thyroid hormones secreted from this area have the following functions
Regulate body temperature
Regulates the heartbeat.
Regulate energy consumption
Thyroid hormones act like a "gas pedal" that regulates the intensity of the body's activities.
In Graves' disease, this accelerator is kept strongly depressed and the body's metabolism becomes excessive.
Causes of Graves' disease
Graves' disease is an "autoimmune disease.
Immunity is essentially a mechanism that protects the body from bacteria and viruses, but in Graves' disease, antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland (TSH receptor antibodies) are produced.
These antibodies continue to stimulate the thyroid gland, causing it to overproduce thyroid hormones.
The following factors are thought to contribute to the onset of the disease
Constitution (genetic factors)
Stress
Births
Environmental Factors
These are thought to be intricately related to the onset of the disease.
Main symptoms of Graves' disease
Excess thyroid hormones cause the body's metabolism to increase, resulting in the following symptoms
Palpitations (rapid pulse)
. Becoming hotter and sweating more.
...Tired easily
... I have an appetite, but I'm losing weight.
Shaking of the hands
...easily irritated.
Also,
Swelling of the front of the neck (goiter)
Eye discomfort
Eyes appear to protrude (thyroid eye disease)
In some cases, such as in the following cases
Symptoms vary from person to person and may be detected for the first time in a blood test during a physical examination.
Diagnosis of Graves' disease
Graves' disease is diagnosed primarily by blood tests.
Characteristic laboratory findings include
High thyroid hormones (FT4, FT3)
Low TSH
Positive TSH receptor antibody (TRAb)
If necessary, an ultrasound of the thyroid gland may be performed.
Treatment of Graves' disease
There are several ways to treat Graves' disease, but in most cases, the first step is treatment with medication.
Pharmacotherapy (basic treatment)
Medications that suppress the production of thyroid hormones (antithyroid medications) are used.
Typical Drugs
Methimazole (Mercazole)
Propylthiouracil (Thiuragyl)
These medications suppress thyroid hormone production and bring it closer to normal.
The duration of treatment varies from person to person, but generally Continuous treatment for more than 1 to 2 yearsis necessary. In many people, it can be controlled with medication.
Other Treatments
When medication is not sufficiently effective or recurrence occurs repeatedly, the following treatment may be considered at a specialized facility.
Radioiodine therapy
Surgery (thyroid surgery)
These treatments are carefully considered based on the patient's condition and wishes.
Precautions during treatment (side effects of antithyroid medication)
Antithyroid medications can be used safely in many patients, but side effects may occur in rare cases.
Relatively common side effects
Skin rash, itching
Abnormal liver function
Most are mild, but if symptoms are present, consult a physician.
Side effects that require special attention include agranulocytosis There is a This is a condition in which the white blood cell count decreases, making the patient more susceptible to infection.
The following symptoms should be noted
Heat generation
Strong sluggishness
Sore throat
If any of these symptoms are present, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
Side effects. Within 2 to 3 months after the start of treatment This time of year is especially important because it often occurs in
To safely continue treatment, it is important to have regular blood tests and medical examinations. Even if symptoms improve, do not discontinue the medication at your own discretion, but continue treatment according to your doctor's instructions.
summary
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that causes excess thyroid hormones.
Main Symptoms
Pulsation
Weight loss
Shaking of the hands
...hot
Swelling of the neck
and others.
It can be diagnosed by blood tests and in most cases can be controlled with medication.
If you have symptoms of concern or if your physical examination indicates that your thyroid gland is abnormal, it is important to consult your health care provider as soon as possible.
[Thyroid disease is also discussed in more detail in the following article.
What are other thyroid diseases?
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