Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. Generally little known, it is often the basis of hyperthyroidism, the excessive production of hormones. So what is Graves' disease in concrete terms? How can it be recognized, diagnosed and treated? In this article, discover everything you need to know about Graves' disease: from the causes of the disease to possible treatments.
Learn more about Graves' disease
What is Graves' disease?
Basedow's disease , also known as Graves' disease , is an autoimmune condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland , located at the base of the neck. Here, the immune system misdirects itself and attacks the thyroid gland. This then leads to an excess production of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating metabolism (i.e. how our body uses energy).
When the thyroid produces too much hormone, it causes the body to work in "high speed" mode . It goes into overdrive, and that's what causes all the symptoms of the disease.
What are the risk factors for this disease?
There is currently no known exact cause of Graves' disease, but we do know that several factors can play a role in its development:
- Genetic predisposition : Family history plays a crucial role. If someone in the family has had Graves' disease or another autoimmune disease, then there is a greater risk that you will develop this disease.
- A faulty immune system : Graves' disease is autoimmune, meaning that the immune system turns against us. It attacks the thyroid as if it were an "intruder."
- Environmental factors : It has been shown that certain environmental factors such as stress, smoking or even a viral infection can trigger the development of Graves' disease.
- Gender and age : Women aged 20 to 40 are generally more affected than men. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, may play a role in this predisposition.
Recognizing Graves' disease
Symptoms of Graves' disease
Unlike other diseases, the symptoms of Graves' disease are quite varied. In fact, they depend on the overactivity of the thyroid, which affects many functions of the human body. However, among the most common symptoms are:
- Unexplained weight loss : Even when eating normally, people with Graves' disease may lose weight, due to high energy consumption.
- Nervousness and irritability : Due to hormones influencing the brain, it is possible to feel anxiety, nervousness or mood swings.
- Heart palpitations : Patients' hearts may beat harder and faster than usual (or irregularly), even when they are resting.
- Fatigue and muscle weakness : Some activities can be difficult when you have Graves' disease because it can make muscles weak, especially in the thighs and arms.
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance : Hyperthyroidism can make people more sensitive to heat and lead to excessive sweating.
- Eye problems : One of the main signs of Graves' disease is proptosis, which is when the eyes may appear larger or bulge out of the socket. This can lead to increased sensitivity to light, double vision, or eye pain.
- Sleep disturbances : Falling asleep may be difficult due to restlessness and overstimulation, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Tremors : Due to overstimulation of the nervous system, the hands may tremble slightly.
Possible complications
Like many other diseases, Graves' disease can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. One of these complications is a thyroid storm . In this case, all the symptoms suddenly worsen, often as a result of stress or a severe infection. This is a medical emergency, where the patient may develop a fever, see their heart rate accelerate, or even fall into a coma.
Another possible complication: heart problems . In fact, since the heart is beating too fast all the time, it quickly becomes exhausted and this can lead to heart problems such as arrhythmia or congestive heart failure, for example.
More serious eye problems may also occur: worsening of exophthalmos, reduced vision, or worse, blindness.
Finally, Graves' disease can also lead to bone fragility : there is a loss of bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Getting Diagnosed and Treated for Graves' Disease
How to get diagnosed?
Typically, diagnosis is based on a combination of physical exams and tests:
- Blood tests : Thyroid hormone levels (usually high) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (rather low) are checked.
- A thyroid scan : to assess the size and activity of the thyroid, and thus confirm the diagnosis.
- A thyroid ultrasound : May be used to examine the structure of the thyroid and check for nodules.
What possible treatment?
There are several options for treating Graves' disease, all of which aim to decrease thyroid activity and relieve symptoms.
First, there are antithyroid drugs (such as methimazole or propylthiouracil). These are often used to decrease the production of thyroid hormones. But while they are generally effective, treatment can be lengthy.
There is also radioactive iodine . This will destroy part of the thyroid, thus reducing hormone production. This is an effective option, but there is a risk of permanent hypothyroidism (a thyroid that does not function enough).
There is also the option of surgery (thyroidectomy) . In fact, depending on the case, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid. This usually happens if the thyroid is very large or if no other treatment has worked.
Finally, it is possible to take beta -blockers . They do not treat the disease but they help relieve symptoms (such as tachycardia or tremors).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Graves' disease is a complex but still little-known disease. This autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected, due to symptoms such as heart palpitations, nervousness, fatigue or eye problems. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can allow patients to return to an almost normal life.
