It's Not All in Your Head but It Could be in Your Throat
This figure is just an estimate because there are likely more people who have exhibited symptoms but have yet to be properly diagnosed. Graves` disease is an autoimmune disease that primarily targets the thyroid. It is five to ten times more common in women than it is in men and usually onset occurs during middle age, but can it can arise in children, adolescents and the elderly.
Diseases that occur within the immune system such as Graves`, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac Disease have a genetic predisposition. In a normal body the immune system has the capability to defend itself against germs and viruses; whereas someone`s immune system with an autoimmune disease acts against their own healthy cells and tissues. Graves` disease occurs when the immune system produces antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) that then attach to thyroid cells. Normal thyroid production is regulated by a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland located in the brain. In Graves` disease the TSI mimics the action of TSH and thus stimulates the thyroid to make too many thyroid hormones. Occasionally the antibodies can block thyroid hormone production, causing confusion in diagnosis. These are some the symptoms that can manifest as a result of Graves` disease:
- Anxiety
- Possible breast enlargement in men
- Difficulty concentrating
- Double vision
- Eyeballs that ``stick out`` (exophthalmos)
- Eye irritation and tearing
- Fatigue
- Frequent bowel movements
- Goiter: (a swelling in the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx {voice box}).
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Insomnia/restlessness
- Menstrual irregularities (women)
- Muscle weakness
- Nervousness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Perhaps it is Graves` disease low mortality rate that prevents it from better detection amongst medical professionals, but this disease MUST be treated to avoid serious complications in the future. Future health complications can include:
- Bone/muscle wasting
- Heart problems
- Thyroid storms can occur, which are severe and life-threatening caused by an excess of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of thyroid storm can include fever (potentially as high as 105-106 degrees F), racing pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, confusion, and weakness. Thyroid storm may lead to heart failure and requires immediate medical treatment.
- Emotional as well as physical highs and lows resulting in a serious impact on personalities and relationships
Treatments available include anti-thyroid medication, radioactive iodine or surgery. If you underwent radiation or surgery you will be required to take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of your life because these treatments will have either destroyed or removed the gland.
Remember that Graves` disease can only be diagnosed by an endocrinologist (a doctor that specializes in disease/conditions that afflict the endocrine system) and only after they`ve done extensive testing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting one or more of the symptoms or behaviors listed above, contact your medical professional and visit: endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/graves/