What is Grave’s Disease?
Grave’s disease is a disease of unknown cause, although fairly common. It is suspected to have a genetic origin. In this case, the thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged, soft, non-tender. All the tissues within are also enlarged.
Clinical Features of Grave’s disease
1. Thyrotoxicosis
- Nervousness, emotional lability, anxiety.
- Inability to sleep.
- Fine tremors of the fingers.
- Frequent bowel movement.
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance.
- Weight loss usual in spite of an adequate diet.
- Loss of strength, fatigue, lethargy.
- In women disturbances in menstruation.
- Dyspnea, palpitations, pain in chest.
- Skin is warm and moist.
- Moist palms with a reddish color.
2. Grave’s disease
- The thyroid gland is large, asymmetrical, and lobular.
- Bruit may be heard over the gland suggesting high blood flow.
- Characteristic stare, lid lags while attempting to shut eyes, frightened look.
- Bulging of the eyeballs.
- Skin is raised, thickened, and hyper-pigmented.
Management of Grave’s disease
A physician must be consulted for starting anti-thyroid drugs, surgery, and radioactive iodine therapy.