Graves' Disease
The Disease that Tricks the Thyroid Gland
Graves' Disease Explanation
Enlarged Thyroid (Goiter)
Ophthalmopathy (Eye Disease)
Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid negative/positive feedback system.
Symptoms
2. Sweating, Heat tolerance
3. Palpitations (abnormal, unusual rapid heart beat), chest pain
4. Muscle Weakness
5. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
6. Prominent, bulgy eyes
Identification
Treatments
Radioactive Iodine (RAI): This type of treatment is either given in a capsule, or water base solution. Radioactive Iodine works by destroying thyroid tissue cells, thereby reducing thyroid hormone levels. However, patients can develop hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Although, doctors say that hypothyroidism is not too bad, because it is much easier to treat.
Surgery: Surgery is the third option to treat Graves' Disease. It is recommended if the goiter (inflamed thyroid) may need surgical removal. An endocrine, ear nose, or throat surgeon may be recommended to obtain thyroidectomy (partial or total removal of the thyroid).