Basedow’s disease, also known as Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune disease that leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormones. While several conditions may lead to hyperthyroidism, Basedow’s disease is one of the most prevalent causes. Since thyroid hormones affect several body systems, the symptoms linked to Basedow’s disease are wide-ranging. Anyone can get it, but it is more prevalent in women and people under 40. Here are a few things to know about the condition:
Symptoms
The onset of symptoms is usually gradual and may take several weeks (sometimes months) to develop. It leads to hyperthyroidism, which accelerates some body functions. It can lead to many hyperthyroidism symptoms, but one may experience only a few or many simultaneously.
Some common hyperthyroidism symptoms that one may experience in Basedow’s disease are as follows:
- Heart palpitations
- Shakiness and nervousness
- Loss of body mass and heightened appetite
- Frequent bowel movements and diarrhea.
- Thin, warm, and moist skin
- Heat intolerance with excessive sweating
- Insomnia
- Swollen thyroid gland or goiter
- Hair loss and alterations in hair texture, such as brittleness
- Changes in menstrual patterns
- Weakness in the muscles
One must contact their healthcare provider if they are experiencing these symptoms.
Further, Basedow’s disease may also result in some eye disease symptoms. These include the following:
- Gritty and irritated eyes
- Swelling in the tissues around the eyes results in puffy eyes
- Eyes that appear bulging
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling pressure or pain in the eyes
- Blurred vision or experiencing double vision
It is known as thyroid eye disease, orbitopathy, or Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Only 33 percent of people with Basedow’s disease develop this condition. One must visit an eye doctor if they experience these signs. In rare situations, people with Basedow’s disease may develop a reddish lump of skin thickening on their shins. It is called pretibial myxedema and is mild and painless. But for some people, it may be painful.
Causes
Sadly, the exact causes of Basedow’s disease are not fully understood. Based on emerging evidence, scientists think a triggering event and some genetic factors can contribute to the condition.
Some such triggering events include the following:
- Illness caused by a virus or bacteria
- Shifts in hormones, as seen during menopause
- Excessive intake of iodine
Risk factors
Some factors can aggravate one’s chances of developing Basedow’s disease. These are as follows:
- Being designated female at birth
- Falling within the age range of 30 to 50 years
- Having a different autoimmune disorder
However, anyone can get Graves’ disease, regardless of gender or age.
Treatment
Primarily, there are two objectives of treatment:
- Curtailing the thyroid gland from overproducing the hormone, and
- Preventing the heightened thyroid hormone levels from causing issues in the body.
There are multiple treatment options to achieve one or both of these goals. Some such alternatives include the following:
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Beta-blockers or anti-thyroid treatment methods
- Surgery
Prognosis
The prognosis is positive for those who receive timely and proper treatment. For Basedow’s disease, treatment is lifelong. People who get definitive treatment will eventually develop hypothyroidism. Most people who receive anti-thyroid treatment methods for Basedow’s disease treatment will need them all their lives.
