Graves' Disease Management

  • Graves Disease
    Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. It is also known as: Autoimmune hyperthyroidism Basedow disease Exophthalmic goiter Toxic diffuse goiter
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 24 January 2016

Managing Graves’ disease:
The most important thing is to receive the necessary medical care. After you and your doctor have decided on a course of action, there are some things you can do that will help you cope with the condition and support your body during its healing process.

Get regular exercise: Exercise in general will help you feel better and improve your muscle tone and cardiovascular system. Brittle bones can occur with Graves' disease and weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone density. Exercise can also help reduce your appetite and increase your energy level.

Learn relaxation techniques: It is well documented that in Graves' disease, stress is a risk factor, so learning to relax and achieve balance in your life can help maintain physical and mental well-being. Choose a calming activity, whether it is listening to music, taking a warm bath or walking.

Pay attention to your diet: Because your thyroid controls your metabolism, you may have a tendency to gain weight when the hyperthyroidism is corrected. Proper food and exercise is crucial.
Find the right doctor: Find the doctor you can trust and work with. Especially, if you have had radioactive iodine and surgery, you will require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Management and Care for Graves' ophthalmopathy:

  • Apply cool compresses to your eyes. The added moisture may soothe your eyes.
  • Wear sunglasses. When your eyes protrude, they're more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays and more sensitive to bright light. Wearing sunglasses that wrap around the sides of your head will also lessen the irritation of your eyes from the wind.
  • Use lubricating eyedrops. Eyedrops may relieve the dry, scratchy sensation on the surface of your eyes. A paraffin-based gel, such as Lacri-Lube, can be applied at night.
  • Elevate the head of your bed. Keeping your head higher than the rest of your body lessens fluid accumulation in the head and may relieve the pressure on your eyes.
  • Don't smoke. Smoking worsens Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Management and Care for Graves' dermopathy:

If the disease affects your skin (Graves' dermopathy), use over-the-counter creams or ointments containing hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and reddening. In addition, using compression wraps on your legs may help.

Your support team: Whom to consult?

Your health care team may include:

Endocrinologists - doctors who treat problems related to the glands and hormones
Radiation oncologist
Clinical immunologists - doctors who treat immune system disorders
Ophthalmologist - for eye problems
Dermatologists - doctors who treat skin diseases
Cardiologists - doctors who treat heart and blood vessel problems
Nutritionist - Nutritionists are specially trained to help people maintain a healthy diet
Psychologists – for emotional support

 

Community
Auto Immune conditions
Dermatological (Skin) and Opthalmology (Eyes) conditions
Condition
Graves Disease

Stories

  • Causes and Risk Factors of Graves' Disease
    What causes Graves' disease? The precise cause of Grave's disease is still unknown. The following risk factors are linked to a higher probability of developing Graves' disease: Genetics (people with a family history of Graves' disease are more likely to develop it). Gender Stress Pregnancy Infection (Bacterial or viral)
  • Graves' Disease Signs and Symptoms
    What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease? The early symptoms of Graves’ disease include: Weight loss (despite increased appetite) Anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping (insomnia) Heat intolerance, sweating Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing Increased stool frequency (with or without diarrhoea) Irregular menstrual periods in women Goiter Prominent, bulging eyes If Graves’ disease goes untreated, physical signs and symptoms may develop: Goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland…
  • Stages and Complications of Graves' Disease
    Complications of Graves' disease can include: Pregnancy issues: Possible complications of Graves' disease during pregnancy include miscarriage, preterm birth, fetal thyroid dysfunction, poor fetal growth, maternal heart failure and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a maternal condition that results in high blood pressure and other serious signs and symptoms. Heart disorders: If left untreated, Graves' disease can lead to heart rhythm disorders, changes in the structure and function of the heart…
  • Diagnosis and Tests for Graves' Disease
    The diagnosis of Graves' disease may include: Physical examination: Your doctor examines your eyes to see if they're irritated or protruding and looks to see if your thyroid gland is enlarged. Because Graves' disease increases your metabolism, your doctor will check your pulse and blood pressure and look for signs of tremor. Blood sample: Your doctor will order blood tests to determine your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the pituitary hormone that normally stimulates the thyroid…
  • Graves' Disease Prevention
    While there are no clear causes for Graves’ disease, genetics plays an important role. So if you have a family member with Graves' disease, then your chances are increased.  If you have a high risk of Graves’ disease, try and live a healthy life. Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy. Reduce stress in your life. Meditate, exercise regularly, take up activities that you enjoy and that calm you. 

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