Graves’ disease  also called diffuse toxic goiter or thyrotoxicosis. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.  It  may develop at any age and in either men or women, Graves’ disease is more common in women and usually begins after age 20. Graves’ disease is rarely life-threatening. Graves disease represents part of a more extensive autoimmune process called autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, which is also associated with pernicious anemia, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus type 1, autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In Graves disease, B and T lymphocyte–mediated autoimmunity are known to be directed at 4 well-known thyroid antigens: thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, sodium-iodide symporter, and the thyrotropin receptor. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. Females are much more likely to contract the disease than males, with the highest-risk ages for either sex being between 40 and 60 years.

Graves disease is much more common at any age in girls than in boys. The female preponderance has been estimated as 4-7 girls for every boy affected. Graves’ disease is triggered by some process in the body’s immune system, which normally protects us from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system destroys foreign invaders with substances called antibodies produced by blood cells known as  lymphocytes. Many people inherit an immune system that can cause  problems.  In Graves’ disease, antibodies bind to  the surface of thyroid cells and stimulate those cells to overproduce thyroid hormones. This results in an overactive thyroid. Physicians have  long suspected that severe emotional stress, such as the death of a loved  one, can set off Graves’ disease in some patients. Graves’ disease patients often experience temporary remission of their symptoms during pregnancy, a phenomenon that has sharpened our understanding of how autoimmunity is normally sustained in this disease.

Their lymphocytes make antibodies against their own tissues  that stimulate or damage them. Medical treatment of Graves’ disease includes antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. Beta-blockers such as propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled. Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Taping the eyes closed at night to prevent drying may sometimes be required. Sunglasses and eyedrops may lessen irritation of the eyes. Adjunctive therapy with a beta-blocking agent can also be useful. Iodine-131 therapy is quick, easy, relatively inexpensive, avoids surgery, and is without significant risk in adults and probably late teenagers. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used when primary orbital tumors can’t be fully excised as encapsulated lesions, such as in rhabdomyosarcoma lesions.

Graves Disease Treatment  Tips 

1. Applying cool compresses to the eyes.

2. Using lubricating eyedrops.

3. Wearing sunglasses.

4. Elevating the head of the bed.

5. Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) treatment.