What is Graves’ disease? Graves’ disease is a serious autoimmune thyroid condition, or rather, a hyperthyroid condition, that affects the entire body and can, if not treated early, eventually lead to death. This Graves’ disease definition cannot be simplified, probably because the nature of the disease, its symptoms, and its treatments cannot be simplified. An overactive thyroid tends produce an excess of thyroid hormones—sometimes to very dangerous levels—and brings on many different kinds of side effects, among them weight loss, palpating heart, increased sweating, irritability, fatigue, weak muscles, and hand trembling. Many famous people have contracted Graves’ disease, and Christina Rosetti, 19th century Poetess, was one. President George Bush Sr. was yet another.
How rare is Graves’ disease? This disease predominantly affects women during child-bearing years (i.e. from about ago 20 to 50), but children and elderly people have been known to contract Graves’ disease as well. Graves’ disease in teen years is also not beyond the realm of possibility. 75% of all women deal with the disease at some point life. Rarity, then, seems relative; Graves’ disease is rare among men, but not with women.
Among the many symptoms of Graves’ disease are: insomnia, fatigue, pregnancy complications, persistent bowel movements, irritability, unnatural weight-loss, sensitivity to heat, profuse sweating, weak muscle reaction, palpitating heartbeat, trembling, and, in or near the eyes, shifting in vision and bulging eyes. The last one on the list of Grave’s disease symptoms is an ophthalmologist’s major concern as far as Grave’s disease goes. This disease, if left untreated, can cause one to go blind.
So, then what kind of Graves’ disease treatments are there? First, any or all of three kinds of tests may be administered. For visual problems, however, only the Thyroid Stimulating Immunogobulin (TSI) is of concern. Graves’ disease and TSI are associated through eye disorder, especially if thyroid performance is normal. This test gradually energizes thyroid cells to bring about higher levels of thyroid hormones. Doctors can then determine cause and treatment. Once prognoses have been made in regard to how Graves’ disease has affected vision or the eyes, either Artificial Tears or steroid eye drops can be applied. In more extreme cases, however, eyelid suturing, known as Lateral Tarsorrhaphy, or orbital compression are conducted.
Other forms of Graves’ disease treatment may include dieting and natural healing. Graves’ disease natural remedies, though, are disputable, simply because of the level of complexity and danger involved in Graves’ disease. As for those who are curious about any possible diet for Graves’ disease, a practitioner can work with a patient to determine what is best to eat and on what schedule, depending on the particular set of circumstances.
As ongoing studies persist at a multitude of facilities around the country, such as clinics, hospitals, research laboratories, and universities like UCLA, Harvard, and PTU, developments relating to Graves’ diseases--sore throat alleviation, orbital protect methodology, possible solutions for thyroid retention and stability--continue to allow specialists to understand and devise better treatments so many people will be able to live happier, healthier lives.
