Treatment of Graves’ disease
Dr.Kut | Feb 05, 2010 | Comments 0
Graves’s disease is an autoimmune disease that reacts to the normal functions of the thyroid gland creating a war in the system by trying to get rid of this important gland and causing what is called hyperthyroidism. Because of this attack, the thyroid gland then reacts by producing greater amounts of thyroxin which then increases the metabolic rate in the system.
Irregular heart beat and anxiety can be some of the causes of increased metabolic rate. This disease is very common in middle aged women; however it can affect anybody at any age. Studies suggest the disease to be hereditary; however, there is no known cause of the problem as yet.
The symptoms of Graves’ disease may include weight loss, hair loss, restlessness, tremors, double vision and nervousness. Other symptoms also include fatigue and changes in the sexual drive.
Although Grave’s disease is not curable, there are some simple medications that need to be taken on regular basis to maintain the balance of the thyroid gland and you should be able to live a normal life.
However, there are some cases where the thyroid gland has grown in size and is creating problems while swallowing and therefore surgery becomes the best option in these cases. Radioactive iodine is also a very effective treatment that acts as a destroyer of the thyroid gland and it stops it from producing thyroxin. This is a very simple and painless treatment.
In more serious cases, Grave’s disease will lead to heart complications, osteoporosis and some emotional disorders as well. However, these symptoms are very rare and only occur when the disease is not treated at all.
If you find any symptoms of thyroid problems at any stage in life, the best possible manner to find out the reasons behind the problems is to contact your doctor and get proper advice from him. Although Graves’ disease is a chronic ailment it can be easily treated.
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