Is Graves disease curable?

Basedow's disease is a fairly common form of hyperthyroidism. However, perhaps many people are still quite unfamiliar with this term. So what is the nature of this disease? Is Graves' disease curable? What is the specific way? Let's find the answer through the information that SignsSymptomsList shared in the following article!

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• An overview of Basedow's disease
• Is Graves' disease curable?
• Diagnosis of Basedow's disease
• Methods of treatment of Basedow's disease

An overview of Basedow's disease

Before answering the question " Can Graves' disease be cured ?", let's briefly understand this disease.

Basedow's disease is also known as Graves' disease or Parry's disease. This is one of the most common forms of hyperthyroidism. That is, goiter is accompanied by an increase in thyroid hormone (hormone) function.

Reason

Thyroid hormones are normally produced when a stimulus is received from the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is like a high-level control station in the body. It releases the hormone TSH which dictates the production of thyroid hormone. In a healthy body, this process is moderate to help control thyroid levels and function.

The pathogenesis of Graves' disease is a malfunction of the body's immune system. This is why it is also known as autoimmune hyperthyroidism.

Normally, this system is responsible for protecting the body from potentially harmful foreign agents. It works by creating antibodies that fight off foreign invaders. Usually viruses, bacteria or other foreign cells.

In Basedow, the immune system makes an antibody similar to TSH. So the thyroid receives more stimulation. Thyroid hormone is overproduced. This causes the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Currently, medical science has not been able to explain this erroneous antibody production process of the patient's immune system Basedow.

Symptom

The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland control metabolism. More specifically, the rate at which the body converts food into energy. Metabolism is directly related to the amount of hormones circulating in the blood. When thyroid hormone is too much, the body's metabolism will go overboard. This causes the following symptoms:

• Hot-tempered, easily worried, easily irritable.
• Hands and fingers tremble slightly.
• Sensitive to temperature. Some people feel "fear of heat", bathing a lot. Increased sweating or warm, moist skin
• Weight loss cannot be controlled even without dieting.
• Goiter.
• Exophthalmisis.

Some symptoms of Basedow's disease

• Menstrual disorders.
• Erectile dysfunction or decreased sex drive.
• Urinating a lot.
• Tired.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
• In addition, there may be skin manifestations such as thickening, redness. Usually on the shin or top of the foot.

Is Graves' disease curable?

Can Graves' disease be cured ? Actually, Graves' disease can be cured or not depends on the definition of "cure".

In fact, regulating thyroid hormone levels will improve symptoms markedly. Bringing the patient to a "parathyroid" state to help the patient live and work as usual. And this is something that current medicine can completely do. Nearly all patients will achieve "parathyroidism" with surgery and medication.

However, the use of the drug needs to be maintained for life. Otherwise, hyperthyroidism will recur. Basedow's disease is easy to relapse if treatment is not adhered to.

If "cure" means completely eliminating abnormal autoantibodies circulating in the blood, there are still many difficulties. Accordingly, the mean remission rate after a course of antithyroid therapy is approximately 50%.

Most relapses occurred within 4 years of stopping antithyroid drugs. After 4 years, there is still a part of cases with late recurrence. The 10-year remission rate ranges from 30-40%. Complications of hypothyroidism due to antithyroid drug therapy range from 10% to 15% in the 15 years after treatment.

Therefore, adherence to treatment and regular check-ups are really important. Periodic follow-up will help detect complications, if any, to adjust medication.

Answer the question whether Graves' disease can be cured

Diagnosis of Basedow's disease

So we have answered the question " Can Graves' disease be cured ?". So how to diagnose this disease?

The diagnosis will combine the history of the disease, examination and test results. In which, asking the patient and examining is extremely important. Its symptoms and progression will help doctors identify and prescribe specific tests for each patient. Commonly considered tests include:

• Complete blood count, also known as a complete blood count.
• Thyroid ultrasound.

Thyroid ultrasound supports the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism Basedow

• Radioiodine absorption test.
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
• Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) test.
• The combined results of these support the identification of general patterns of thyroid dysfunction. This includes Basedow's disease.

Methods of treatment of Basedow's disease

Currently, there are 3 treatment methods for this disease:

Synthetic antithyroid drugs

Synthetic antithyroid drugs inhibit thyroid hormone production. This group of drugs has some side effects on the liver and on pregnancy. Therefore, all indications for drug selection and dosage must be prescribed by a doctor. Should not be used arbitrarily.

In addition, beta-blockers may be selected to relieve cardiovascular symptoms.

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy is one of the most common treatments for Graves' disease. This treatment requires you to take doses of radioactive iodine-131.

This procedure aims to destroy the overactive thyroid cells. The thyroid gland shrinks and reduces hormone production.

However, this method is not used on pregnant and lactating women. When patients have severe eye complications also limit application.

Thyroid surgery

Surgery is only possible when other treatment options are not available. Common cases are:

• Failure of treatment with antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine.
• Suspected thyroid cancer. Although thyroid cancer associated with Basedow's disease is very rare.
• Pregnant women, can not take antithyroid drugs and radiation. However, early surgery before the second trimester still carries risks to the fetus. Therefore, the time must be specified by the doctor.
• Once the total thyroid is removed, the patient needs lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation.

Is Graves' disease curable ? Hope the above article has helped SignsSymptomsList's readers find the answer. Patients Basedow can completely regain their health. It is important for complete adherence to treatment and full periodic follow-up visits.