Graves disease is a form of hyperthyroidism which is cause by generalized overactivity
of thyroid gland. It is named after Robert Graves, an Irish physician, who first described
this disorder. Graves disease is characterized by :
Thyroid swelling
Eye involvement
Bulging eye
Scary eye
Watering or redness in eyes
Blurring of vision/ Double vision etc
Skin involvement
Thickening of skin in front of shin also known as pretibial myxedema
Symptom of hyperthyroidism like
Weight loss in spite of good appetite
Intolerance to heat
Nervousness or irritability
Moist skin or excessive sweating
Palpitation or increase heart rate
Loose stools
Menstrual abnormality
Muscle ache or weakness
Serum T3, T4 & TSH testing can confirm the diagnosis. Thyroid scan may be added
to the primary tests to confirm the disease. It is important to see a specialist if any
abnormality is detected as delay in diagnosis can have catastrophic affect on various
body organs. Treatment of Graves` disease depends upon the degree of neck swelling,
eye involvement and severity of hyperthyroidism. It includes drugs, radio-iodine (in
which iodine is given to destroy to the hyperfunctional gland) or surgical removal of
gland.