Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system overstimulates the thyroid causing it to produce large amounts of thyroid hormones. It is hereditary and is preceded by Hyperthyroidism. About 25–40% of Graves’ disease patients show signs of a clinically relevant Graves’ ophthalmopathy (inflammation and bulging of the eyes). However, Graves’ disease accompanied by moderate to severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy, only occurs in fewer than 5% of patients.
Women under 40 years of age are especially prone to developing Graves’ disease. Smokers are more likely to have Graves’ disease and are more likely to have eye problems than non-smokers.
Consequences of Graves' Disease
This disease can go unnoticed for a long time, but you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- 快速心脏率
- 神经质和/或易怒
- 焦虑
- 入睡困难
- 饮食没有变化的重量损失
- Muscle weakness, especially of the upper arms and thighs
- 出汗增多
- 排便次数增多
- 打火机或较不频繁的月经周期
- 颤抖的手
- 皮肤变薄
Symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy include:
- 红色或眼睛红肿
- 眼睛周围组织肿胀
- 凸出的眼睛
- Very rarely, diminished or double vision
Source: Thyroid Aware and American Thyroid Association.
注意： Nitek has developed more effective treatment protocols, for graves, that increases (doubles) the chance of medications working, rather than resorting to surgery (Partial Ablation).
