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What is Graves’ disease ?
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. In Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, a condition known as hyperthyroidism.
Some common symptoms of Graves' disease include:
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Weight loss despite increase in appetite
- Anxiety and irritability
- Tremors in the hands and fingers
- Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
- Fatigue and weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
- Swelling and redness in the front of the neck (goiter)
Graves' disease is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake scans.
Treatment for Graves' disease aims to reduce the production of thyroid hormones and manage symptoms. This may include medications such as antithyroid drugs to block the production of thyroid hormones, radioactive iodine therapy to destroy thyroid cells, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
It's essential for individuals with Graves' disease to receive regular medical care and monitoring to manage their condition effectively and prevent complications.
Why is it called Graves’ disease ?
- The condition is named after the Irish physician Robert Graves, who first described it in the early 19th century.
What triggers Graves’ disease ?
- While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and stress may contribute to the development of Graves' disease.
How do you get something like this ?
- Prevalence: It's estimated to affect about 0.5-2% of the population, with women being about 7 to 8 times more likely to develop it than men.
- Age of Onset: It commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, although it can develop at any age.
- Family History: There is a genetic predisposition, with a family history of the disease increasing the risk.
- Geographic Distribution: Graves' disease occurs worldwide but is more common in iodine-sufficient regions.
At what point should I get tested for Graves’ disease?
- You should consider getting tested for Graves' disease if you experience symptoms such as
- unexplained weight loss
- rapid heartbeat
- palpitations
- fatigue
- tremors
- intolerance to heat
- increased sweating
- anxiety
- insomnia
- changes in bowel habits
- or noticeable swelling in the neck (goiter).
- Additionally, if you have a family history of thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, it may be prudent to discuss testing with your healthcare provider. If you suspect you may have Graves' disease or are experiencing concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate testing.
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