Basedow’s disease, also called Graves’ disease, is a health condition that causes hyperthyroidism. In other words, it causes the body to produce excess thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates many bodily processes, including metabolism and bone maintenance, but an excess can stress the organs and lead to various symptoms and complications. Hence, it is vital to identify and treat the condition early. This post discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management options for Basedow’s disease.

Causes
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that sits in front of the throat. The hormones it produces help regulate critical functions like metabolism and brain function. Basedow’s disease is caused when this gland becomes overactive and produces excess thyroid hormones, which speed up biochemical reactions, leading to many symptoms.

Researchers believe the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces excess thyroid hormone due to an autoimmune reaction. The immune system gets triggered and starts overproducing an antibody called TSI (thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin). This antibody attaches to healthy thyroid cells, causing the gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. Pregnancy, stress, and viral infections are a few factors that can increase the risk of this immune response.

Symptoms
The symptoms of Basedow’s disease appear gradually over weeks or months. However, some may not experience any discomfort despite being affected, making it hard to identify the condition. As this disease causes hyperthyroidism, it can speed up certain body functions, leading to the following symptoms:

• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Anxiety and irritability
• Los of fitness, even with normal eating habits
• Heat sensitivity and an increase in the amount of sweat
• Shaking movements on the fingers and hands
• Changes in one’s menstrual cycle
• Diarrhea
• Bulging eyes
• Thick and red skin on the top of the feet
• Disturbance while sleeping
• Irregular heartbeat
• Erectile dysfunction and reduced libido
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland
• Increase in appetite
• Hair loss and brittle hair

If individuals experience these symptoms, they should contact a healthcare provider to determine the cause. The earlier the condition is detected, the easier it is to manage.

Diagnosis
After inquiring about a person’s symptoms and health history, doctors perform a physical exam. They might also run a few tests to confirm Basedow’s disease. These may include thyroid antibody blood tests and imaging scans like Doppler ultrasound or Doppler blood flow measurement. Testing helps the expert get a clear picture of one’s health condition so they can immediately start the required treatment.

Treatment and management
Basedow’s disease can be life-threatening if ignored. When someone is diagnosed with it, doctors recommend treatments to keep their thyroid hormones in check and suppress the disease. Some treatment options include:

• Treatments to protect the heart
  The heart comes under severe stress when affected by this health condition. Hence, doctors first administer treatments for regulating heart rate and protecting the organ before taking measures to tackle hyperthyroidism. These treatments do not interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.
• Radioiodine therapy
  In this therapy, patients consume tiny doses of radioactive iodine. Within two to three months, the radiation starts destroying the cells of the thyroid gland. As the organ shrinks, hormone levels return to normal. This treatment is not suggested for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Surgery
  During surgery, experts remove the entire thyroid gland or specific parts. Once done, thyroid production reduces or stops leading to hypothyroidism. If this condition develops, one might have to use thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their life.

Some treatment formulations that help block the production of thyroid hormone might lead to side effects like skin rashes and a drop in white blood cell count, which can increase the chances of getting an infection. Hence, one should consult an expert before using any treatment or changing its dosage.

Possible complications
Poorly managed Graves’ disease can increase the risk of:

• Heart issues
  The condition can cause irregular heartbeat, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other heart conditions.
• Thyroid storm
  This happens when the thyroid gland produces a large amount of thyroid hormone in a short period. Thyroid storm can cause one’s blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature to shoot up. It usually happens when one suddenly stops treatment or develops an infection.
• Osteoporosis
  If untreated, the condition can cause osteoporosis, increasing the patient’s risk of repeated bone fractures.

While Basedow’s disease can lead to a lot of discomfort and stress, it is treatable. Those experiencing the symptoms should contact a doctor. They may run a few tests to see if the thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone and recommend a suitable treatment.