autoimmune disease symptoms, medication and treatment » Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in the Form of Graves’ Disease – Understanding Graves’ Disease

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:00:31 +0000

Graves Disease What is Graves’ Disease? One of the most common disorders involving the thyroid is Graves’ disease. Since it was first described by the Irish physician Robert James Graves, it has become the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in the world.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies that mimic the effects of the hormone thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland. These antibodies cause the thyroid gland to produce more and more thyroid hormone beyond the normal limits. This causes the body’s metabolism to speed up, resulting in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Exactly how and why these antibodies are produced by the body, there is yet little explanation. However, it has been observed that Graves’ disease tends to run in the family so there might be a genetic predisposition to the production of the autoantibodies.

Another theory states that the production of the antibodies could be the result of a bacterial or viral infection as Graves’ disease tends to manifest later in life. One such organism believed to be involved in the development of Graves’ disease is the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica. There is indirect evidence that there is a structural similarity between the bacterium and the human thyrotropin receptor, making the antibodies produced against Yersinia enterocolitica react with the thyroid gland. There is very little evidence to support this theory and it has been believed that the bacterium is not a direct cause of Graves’ disease but that it only serves to aid in the development of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

Spotting Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease sports all the common signs and symptoms of a hyperthyroid patient but one such stands out against the rest to differentiate Graves’ disease from the rest — exophthalmos.

Exophthalmos is the protrusion of one or both of the eyeballs in most patients afflicted with Graves’ disease. This is due to the edematous swelling of the tissues at the back of the eyeballs and degenerative changes in the extraocular muscles. Immunoglobulins that may react with the eye muscles can be found in the blood of many of these patients. There is also reason to believe that exophthalmos in itself is an autoimmune process as the concentration of these immunoglobulins are highest in patients with increased levels of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins.

Patients with exophthalmos may suffer from impaired vision as the protrusion of the eyeball stretches the optical nerve. There may also be the risk of developing corneal irritation and infections because the eyes cannot fully close when the patient sleeps or blinks, causing the drying of the eyes.

Doctors who suspect Graves’ disease in patients may request thyroid blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Patients afflicted with Graves’ disease mostly have high levels of thyroid hormone and low levels of TSH. This is because the pituitary gland stops its secretion of TSH when the body’s levels of thyroid hormone go beyond normal limits.

Treatment of Graves’ Disease

Patients with Graves’ disease are usually treated with antithyroid drugs like propylthiouracil, methimazole, and carbimazole. Patients may also be treated with radioactive iodine to destroy the hypersecreting thyroid cells. In some cases, surgery may be necessitated although proper preparations may be made as surgical removal of the thyroid gland in hyperthyroid patients is dangerous.

Graves’ disease patients who must undergo surgical removal of the thyroid gland must first undergo several months of treatment with propylthiouracil until they reach normal basal metabolic rates, followed by large doses of iodine one to two weeks immediately before the operation to decrease the swelling and diminish the blood supply of the thyroid. Prior to the development of these preoperative procedures, mortality rate in thyroidectomy patients was rather high but now, it has been reduced to as low as 1 in every 1000 operations.

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Graves Disease -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:52:52 +0000

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Graves Disease Treatment of Graves Disease First described by Sir Robert Graves in the early 19th century, Graves’ disease is one of the most common of all thyroid problems. It is also the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones.

Graves’ disease is a thyroid disorder characterized by goitre, exophthalmos, and hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an antibody-mediated auto-immune reaction as to form anti-TSH-Receptor antibody. However, the trigger for this reaction is still unknown. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the world, and the most common cause of general thyroid enlargement in developed countries Graves’ Disease is a type of autoimmune disease that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. This over-activity is also sometimes called “toxic diffuse goiter.” The thyroid gland helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. When the thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. High levels of thyroid hormones can cause side effects such as weight loss, rapid heart rate and nervousness.

Causes of Graves Disease

Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The production of thyroid hormone is increased, causing a wide range of symptoms from anxiety and restlessness to insomnia and weight loss. In addition, the eyeballs may begin to stick out (exophthalmos), causing eye irritation and tearing.In Graves’ disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, but instead of destroying the gland, an antibody called thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) stimulates the thyroid to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Doctors aren’t sure what triggers this problem, but they do know that the immune system is involved. In Grave’s disease patients, they find antibodies specifically designed to stimulate the thyroid. It has a familial tendency. The disease is characterized by the formation of autoantibodies that bind to receptors in thyroid cell membranes and stimulate the gland to hyperfunction.

What are the symptoms of Graves Disease Tremors (fine trembling of the hands and fingers) Changes in menstrual patterns (usually lighter flow, less frequent periods)The thyroid gland grows larger (goiter) as it produces more and more hormone. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, nervousness, irritability, sweating, dislike of hot weather, shakiness, and rapid pulse. About 50% of patients have red, watery, bulging eyes (the actor Marty Feldman had a severe case).

How is Graves’ disease treated?

Radioactive iodine (I-131), which destroys part or all of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone; orSubtotal thyroidectomy, in which a surgeon removes most of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone.Beta blockers. These medications, which include propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor) and nadolol (Corgard), often relieve hyperthyroid signs and symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, nervousness and tremors. These medications aren’t a cure for Graves’ because your body will still produce too much thyroxine, but beta blockers block some of the action of the thyroid hormone. Beta blockers are often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.Anithyroid Drugs (ATD’s) This is the route that I chose. The drugs inclue Methimazole, and PTU. I chose PTU. These medications stop the thyroid from overproducing hormones, it’s the excess of hormone that’s causing the thyrotoxicosis.

Symptoms of The Graves Disease Eye Problem

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:57:59 +0000

Graves disease, otherwise known as the thyroid eye disease, is a rather unknown, but serious condition. In order to explain what the graves disease eye problem is you must first get familiar with the thyroid gland and what it does.
There is more to your thyroid gland than what I will explain to you here, I just want to keep it simple so you can understand graves disease. Your thyroid gland is in your neck and produces two types of thyroid hormones.
These hormones are vital for your metabolism running properly and your growth. Graves disease comes into play when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough or it produces too much of thyroid hormones your body needs. When your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormones it is called hypothyroidism.
When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones then you may:
* Feel depressed
* Feel Anxious
* Have a slower then usual heartbeat
* Feel sluggish
What if Your Thyroid Produces Too Much of the Hormones?
On the other end of the spectrum your thyroid can also produce too much of the thyroid hormones. This is known as hyperthyroidism. This type of graves disease occurs most often.
There are also symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Someone starting to suffer from this type of graves disease will experience:
* Hot flashes
* A faster then usual heartbeat
* Nervousness
How is This All Related To My Eyes?
Graves disease becomes a serious eye problem because of the painful symptoms it can cause. While the conditions and symptoms can vary in intensity, one of the most noticeable and the most common symptoms of the graves disease eye problem is the protrusion of your eye(s).
When your eye is protruded, your eyelid is pulled back and all the muscles and the tissues that are around the eye area swell up. This is what causes the pain and the eye problem.
Is This Disease Treatable?
Although the graves disease eye problem is a serious condition that can cause a lot of pain, stress, embarrassment, and suffering it is treatable. There are many ways to treat this condition. The most common methods are:
* Lubricants
* Steroids
* Eye surgery
* Radiation to the eye
The only downside to treating the graves disease eye problem is that it can take anywhere from six months to a year for the treatment to work. The exact amount of time needed to get rid of the problem depends upon the specific person and their case.
If you think you may have graves disease or would like more information talk to your local doctor. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms : Hyperthyroidism in the Form of Graves’ Disease – Understanding Graves’ Disease

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:59:34 +0000

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms : What is Graves’ Disease? One of the most common disorders involving the thyroid is Graves’ disease. Since it was first described by the Irish physician Robert James Graves, it has become the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in the world.

Spotting Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease sports all the common signs and symptoms of a hyperthyroid patient but one such stands out against the rest to differentiate Graves’ disease from the rest — exophthalmos.

Treatment of Graves’ Disease

Top rated Thyroid Product ReviewsHyperthyroidism

Graves Disease – Understanding the Basics

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:59:56 +0000

Graves Disease is the main cause of hyperthyroidism and is caused by a defect in the immune system. Autoimmune disease may be understood as a process by which the body sees some part of itself as being foreign and reacts to it much the same way that it would with any bacteria or virus. In the case of Graves’ disease, the body sees the thyroid gland as the foreign object and produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.

This causes the thyroid gland to produce a greater than normal amount of the hormone called thyroxine. When you have excess thyroxine in your body, your metabolic rate can increase by 60 percent to 100 percent because thyroxine controls the metabolism of the cells. A higher metabolism can lead to a number of health problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or anxiety.

Signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism may include: Sensitivity to heat Weight loss, despite normal food intake Brittle hairLight menstrual periodsFrequent bowel movementsRestlessness Muscle weakness TremorsEnlarged thyroid glandIncreased sweatingNervousness & irritabilityRestless sleepErratic behaviourIncreased appetite Distracted attention spanFatigueRapid heart beatChanges in sex drive

Graves Disease occurs mainly in middle aged women but can also occur in children and the elderly. Often, there is a genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders but often the cause remains unknown. Of research importance, the Graves’ gene in DNA has not yet been identified.

Graves’ ophthalmopathy may cause these mild signs and symptoms: Excess tearing and sensation of grit or sand in either or both eyesReddened or inflamed eyesWidening of the space between your eyelidsSwelling of the lids and tissues around the eyesLight sensitivity

Less often, Graves’ ophthalmopathy can produce these signs and symptoms:Ulcers on the cornea Double visionLimited eye movementsBlurred or reduced vision

Graves Disease is incurable but not life threatening and is completely treatable. There are three standard ways of treating Graves’ disease.

1. Anti-thyroid drugs which inhibit production or conversion of the active thyroid hormone; Most individuals do well on these medications and can continue them long term if they so choose. The most common side effect is a rash, which will require that the medication be stopped if it is severe.

2. Radioactive iodine which destroys part or all of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone. The treatment consists simply of swallowing a pill that contains radioactive iodine. Usually the treatment is entirely painless, though an occasional patient will notice mild soreness over the thyroid gland for a few days after the treatment.; or

3. Subtotal thyroidectomy, in which a surgeon removes most of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone. Surgery may be the best option in certain situations, such as patients with large multinodular goiters where the thyroid gland is interfering with swallowing

The more serious complications of prolonged, untreated, or improperly treated Graves’ disease include weakened heart muscle leading to heart failure; osteoporosis, or possible severe emotional disorders.