Graves’ disease is a result of an antibody-mediated auto-immune reaction, though the cause of this reaction is still unknown. Graves’ disease is distinguished by exophthalmos, goiter, orange-peel skin and also Hyperthyroidism. This disease is the typical cause of Hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism on the other hand, is a result of overactive tissues located in the thyroid gland. This action results to an overload of flowing free thyroid hormones. These free thyroid hormones are called thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) or both. It is also referred to as any extra amount of thyroid hormone, regardless of the origin.
Causes
Hyperthyroidism
- The most common is the Grave’s disease.
- Toxic multinodular goitre
- Toxic thyroid adenoma
Thyroid hormones can also have high blood levels that happen because of:
- Thyroiditis or the swelling of the thyroid. Initially, this condition can be related to the production of extra thyroid hormone.
- Struma ovarii can secrete extra thyroid hormone.
- Taking in of thyroid hormone tablets can also cause the high blood levels.
- Amiodarone it is used as a medication for the heart.
- Postpartum thyroiditis
Graves’ Disease
A chemical called TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone gives orders for the production of thyroid. And when the immune system malfunctions it secretes unusual antibodies that imitate TSH. When this happens, it sends false signals to secrete then the factories of the thyroid hormone work continuously producing excess number of thyroid hormones.
The secretion of these antibodies is still unknown. It is suspected that heredity also plays a role in Graves’ disease.
Graves and Hyperthyroidism goes hand in hand. Graves’ is the main cause of Hyperthyroidism because when an individual is affected with Graves’, thyroid hormones begin to produce excessively which results to Hyperthyroidism.
Complications
One of the complications that can be experienced by an individual is eye problems, specifically a condition called exopthalmos. This is the most evident complication which leads the eyeball to stick out from the eyeball sockets, though not all patients suffering from Graves’ experience this complication. In worst cases of exopthalmos, great amount of pressure can be put on the optic nerve and can result in partial blindness.
Treatment
- When an individual is experiencing problems in closing his eyelids completely, an eye patch is helpful. This will also prevent the corneas not to dry.
- To moisten the eyes, use over-the-counter eye drops especially when it feels dry.
- Elevate your head when sleeping if the red turns to be swollen and red in the morning.
- To protect eyes from bright lights, sunlight and wind, use colored or dark glasses.
Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism is a symptom alone for Graves’ disease because it happens when an individual is affected with Graves’ disease. It is also said that the symptoms of both Graves and Hyperthyroidism are the same.
- difficulty breathing
- feeling of weakness
- extreme perspiration
- increased sensitivity to heat
- goiter
- bulging eyes
- thickened, lumpy and reddish skin that can be seen in the shins
- irregular menstrual periods for women
Prevention
Hyperthyroidism is a genetic disease that is caused by Graves’ disease cannot be prevented. Though, people that are most likely to be affected by Graves’ disease are smokers.