Graves disease
Graves' Disease
Graves' Disease (pronounced: /ɡreɪvz/), also known as Basedow's disease, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. The disease was named after Sir Robert Graves, an Irish doctor who first described the condition in 1835.
Etymology
The term "Graves' Disease" is derived from the name of the Irish doctor, Sir Robert Graves, who first described this condition in 1835. The term "Basedow's disease" is named after the German physician, Karl Adolph von Basedow, who independently reported the same condition in 1840.
Definition
Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Graves' Disease include anxiety, tremor, heat intolerance, weight loss, and goiter. In some cases, the disease may also cause Graves' ophthalmopathy, a condition that results in inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles, leading to protruding eyes.
Causes
Graves' Disease is caused by a malfunction in the body's immune system. The exact reason why this happens is not known, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatment
Treatment for Graves' Disease includes medication to control the overactive thyroid, radioiodine therapy, and in some cases, surgery. The goal of treatment is to control the overproduction of thyroid hormones and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Graves disease
- Wikipedia's article - Graves disease
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