Comprehensive Overview of Graves’ disease, Its Cause and Treatments
Graves’ disease is a disorder in the immune system that is caused by the excessive production of thyroid hormones or the so-called hyperthyroidism. Since thyroid hormones several various body systems, the signs and symptoms connected to this disease have a wide range and significantly affects the overall well-being of a person. It is a rarely life-threatening disease. Even though anyone has a risk of developing this disease, it is more common among women especially those who are before the age of 40.
The Cause of Graves’ disease
This disease is caused by a dysfunction in the immune system of the body. One of the normal functions of the immune system is to produce antibodies to fight against certain substances, bacterium and virus. But in this disease, for not well understood reasons, the body produces an antibody to a specific protein on the surface of cells in the thyroid gland.
The normal function of thyroid is controlled by a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The antibody called the thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) can significantly imitate the function of the regulatory pituitary hormone. Thus, TRAb affects the normal regulation of the thyroid and leads to excessive production of thyroid hormones or the so-called hyperthyroidism.
The Effects of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism affects several body functions, which include:
? Menstrual cycle
? Muscle strength
? Body temperature
? Nervous system and heart function
? Metabolic reactions
Common Signs and Symptoms of Graves’ disease
? Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
? Diarrhea
? Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
? Alterations in menstrual cycles
? Enlargement of the thyroid gland
? Weight loss
? Sensitivity to heat
? Warm, moist skin or over perspiration
? A fine tremor of the fingers or hands
? Fatigue
? Sleeping difficulties
? Irritability
? Anxiety
Lifestyle and Home Treatments of Graves’ disease
? Exercise regularly and eat well: This can hasten the improvement in some symptoms and help you to have a better feeling in general.
? Avoid stress as much as possible: This is very helpful as stress may trigger or cause the disease to worsen. Walking, taking a warm bath or listening to lovely music can help you to have a relaxing feeling and clearer mind.
If you have Graves’ Ophthalmopathy you can do the following home remedies:
? Apply cool compress to your eyes: The additional moisture gives a soothing effect to your eyes.
? Elevate the head of your bed: Keeping your head at an elevated position that the other parts of your body reduces the accumulation of fluids in the head and relieves the pressure on the eyes.
? Wear sunglasses: When you have protruding eyes, they are more sensitive to bright light and weaker to UV rays. Wearing sunglasses can help to prevent your eyes from irritation.
Read more details about graves disease and graves disease symptoms.
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