Graves Disease Essay - 981 Words

Graves’ disease was named after Robert J. Graves, MD, around the 1830’s. It is an autoimmune disease indicated by hyperthyroidism due to circulating autoantibodies, which is an antibody that attacks the person’s own body. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which causes it to produce too much thyroxine. Thyroxine is a hormone that helps control growth and also regulates metabolism in the body. While the thyroxine levels are high the patient’s metabolic rate increases, which can have an effect on their physical appearance as well as their frame of mind. Graves’ disease is the number one cause of hyperthyroidism in the U.S. There are many signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease. Symptoms of Graves’ disease include anxiety,†¦show more content†¦Experts aren’t sure the exact cause of Graves’ disease because it is an autoimmune disease. There are certain risk factors associated with Graves’ disease which include genetics, gender, age, pregnancy, mental stress, and smoking. People who have family history of this disease are more likely to develop it. Also females are more likely than males to acquire Graves’ disease and onset of the disease usually occurs after the age of 20. Anatomy affected by this disease is the thyroid gland which is part of the endocrine system. It is located at the back of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. This disease doesn’t destroy the thyroid gland, instead an antibody called thyrotropin receptor antibody makes the thyroid produce large amounts of hormone. The thyroid produces two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones affect many body systems and play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate. Excessive secretion of these hormones is what causes the signs and symptoms that have already been described. Graves’ disease is diagnosed by performing a physical examination, a blood test, and determini ng radioactive iodine uptake. In the physical exam the doctor will inspect the eyes to see whether they are irritated or bulging. The thyroid is checked to ascertain if it is enlarged. The physician will check the hands and fingers for signs of trembling and ask questions about their symptoms. A blood test is given to see what the levels ofShow MoreRelatedGraves Disease772 Words   |  4 PagesGraves Disease The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and triggers the release of high levels of thyroid hormones. One of the hallmarks of Graves disease is a visible and uncomfortable swelling behind the eyes. Graves Disease Graves disease, which is caused by a generalized overactivity of the thyroid gland, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland usually is renegadeRead MoreCase Study of Graves Disease Essay1639 Words   |  7 Pages Introduction The case study selected focused on Grave’s disease an autoimmune disorder involving over production of thyroid hormones triidiothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In the United States it is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. The over taxed organ then becomes enlarged (goiter). This case study report will discuss the clinical progression and presentation of this disease, define and describe what an autoimmune disorder is, outline what clinical testing is performed for proper diagnosisRead MoreHyperthyroidism: Graves Disease and Thyroid Hormone Level977 Words   |  4 Pagesthe causes of hyperthyroidism? Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged and patients usually complain of eye discomfort or, in extreme cases, bulging eyes. 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Wong Hashimotos disease can also be called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis. An autoimmune disease happens when the bodys immune system attacks its own cells and organs instead of its normal job of protecting the body from infection. Hashimotos disease specifically attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammationRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Autoimmune Diseases834 Words   |  4 Pagesautoimmune diseases Autoimmune diseases are caused by auto-antibodies, according to auto-antibodies can be divided into: organ-specific, which affects one organ; non-organ specific, which are a multisystem disease. 2.1. Organ-specific 2.1.1. Autoimmune thyroid diseases They are a common cause of thyroid disorders and it is caused by auto-antibodies against the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSH), intracytoplasmic antigen or thyroglobulin. 2.1.1.1.Grave s disease Grave s disease is the mostRead MoreThe Human Body Of The Thyroid Gland1254 Words   |  6 Pagesthis case will be on overactive thyroid glands and on the specific case of Graves’ disease. Hyperthyroidism is a term used to describe an overactive thyroid gland. This is usually prevented by the process mentioned above, however there are some factors that can cause hyperthyroidism. One of these factors is Graves’ disease. In Graves’ disease, a response in the body’s immune system (the system which defends against disease) causes the antibody thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) to be produced