Graves’ disease is an immune condition which is triggered by the over production of the thyroid hormones which is also known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones affect the different body systems, and the symptoms of Graves ’ disease affects the overall well-being and it is common among women before reaching the age of 40 years old.
Common signs and symptoms
- Fine tremor of the hands and fingers
- There is anxiety and irritability
- Losing weight despite a normal eating habits
- There is heat sensitivity and increased perspiration or warm and moist skin.
- Goiter, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Changes in the menstrual cycles
- Frequent bowel movement
- An erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
- Graves’ ophthalmopathy or bulging eyes
- Thick, red skin occurring on the shins or on top of the feet which is known as Graves’ dermopathy
- Palpitations, rapid and irregular heartbeat
Individuals with Graves’ disease have indicators of a health issue called as graves’ opthalmopathy. In graves’ opthalmopathy, inflammation affects the muscles as well as the surrounding tissues in the eyes and will result to the following:
- Exophthalmos which is a bulging eyes
- Gritty sensation in the eyes
- There is pressure and pain in the eyes
- Reddened or an inflamed eyes
- The person is sensitive to light
- A puffy or a retracted eyelids
- Double vision and the person can also suffer from loss of vision
Causes
Graves’ disease is caused by the malfunctioning of the immune system of the body. A normal immune system response is the production of an antibodies used to target a virus, bacterium or other substance. The function of the thyroid is controlled by a hormone that is released by a tiny gland found at the base of the brain which is known as the pituitary gland. The antibody in Graves’ disease which is thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) functions in a similar way with the governing pituitary hormone. It simply means that the TRAb overrides the regulation of the thyroid and will cause an overproduction of the thyroid hormones also known as hyperthyroidism.
Causes of graves’ opthalmopathy
This condition is the result of the build-up of carbohydrates in the skin and the cause is not known. It is the same antibody that causes thyroid dysfunction and also affects the tissues surrounding the eyes.
Treatment and some home remedies
- Eating well and exercising to help the improvement of the symptoms while being treated so that the individual will feel better.
- Minimizing stress as much as possible, listening to music, taking a warm bath and even walking helps the person to relax.
- For Graves’ opthalmopathy, the first aid measure is to apply a cold compress to the eyes, wearing sunglasses because protruding eyes are sensitive to bright light, use lubricating eye drops to relieve the person of dry eyes and scratchy sensation on the surface of the eyes. Additionally, elevate the head of the bed to lessen accumulation of fluid in the head and can relieve pressure in the eyes.