What is a Graves disease and how to fight it? Basedova's disease is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland and its hyperfunction under the influence of the body's immune system. Typically, this disease occurs among people between the ages of 20 to 50 years, mostly in the female.

disease got its name from the German scientist Karl Basedow, since in 1840 he was one of the first, which is quite popular documented clinical pathology process. To date, this disease is known as a toxic diffuse goiter.


causes of disease

Graves' disease may be caused by intense stress, family conflicts, as is often the cause of the loss of loved ones, problems at work. Also goiter is caused by infectious diseases that last for a long time. Hereditary factor is no exception.

Due to such shocks human immune system produces proteins( autoantibodies), they in turn affect the thyroid cell receptors, thus there is an increase in size of the goiter and stimulation of production of active endocrine hormones.

Under the risk zone fall:

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  1. People living in areas where the industry is actively developed.
  2. Those who are often in the sun and love a rich tan.
  3. People who are often in a stressed state.
  4. Opponents of fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood.

Characteristic Symptoms for Grave Disease

The thyroid gland is one of the main organs of man. Endocrine hormones( thyroxine and triiodothyramine) significantly affect the heart, nervous system, skin and hair, muscles and other vital organs.

Probably everyone knows that if the thyroid gland breaks down, the internal balance of the whole organism fails. Unfortunately, Graves' disease has a negative effect on the work of all organs.

People who suffer from diffuse toxic goiter are often irritable, cry a lot, are suspicious and excitable. They have no reason to get into small things and become indifferent to the whole world. Patients are disturbed by sleep, stool, excessive sweating. Basedova's disease includes a small tremor of fingers and hands. Patients can quickly lose or gain weight, while they have an increased appetite. Patients have hot and wet skin.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged - this is the first and very important sign of a toxic goiter. Known such degrees of changes in the size of the thyroid:

  1. 0-th degree, at this stage the thyroid gland is unchanged.
  2. 1st degree, when palpation is performed, enlarged isthmus is seen.
  3. 2-nd degree, the disease becomes noticeable when swallowing, thyroid is palpable.
  4. When the disease is in 3 stages, the enlargement of the gland can be seen on examination.
  5. 4-th degree, in this case, goitre leads to a change in the shape of the neck.
  6. At the 5th degree, the thyroid gland is enlarged to a serious size.

There is another known sign of the disease - the appearance of the eyes is changing. Eyes widen with astonishment excessive luster appears in the eyes, weakness convergence behind the upper eyelid from eye gaze while moving down the strip appear white sclera.

Patients with Graves' disease often have tachycardia, arrhythmia, heart failure and other similar diseases. If the thyroid gland is not treated for a long time, adrenal diseases develop, such as: adynamia, hypotension, there is hyperpigmentation of the skin.

diagnosis of Graves' disease

Clear signs that confirm the diagnosis:

  1. in the blood increased concentration of T3 and T4 hormones endocrine;
  2. Low percentage of TSH in the blood;
  3. The thyroid gland over-absorbs radioactive iodine;
  4. Using ultrasound, you can see the increased size of the thyroid gland, as well as the presence of nodes on its surface.

How to treat the disease?

To a surgical intervention resorted if the diffuse toxic goiter of a large size, squeezes the esophagus and trachea. Also, the operation is performed with a congestive form of goiter, if the disease has caused a complication, or in the absence of the effect of traditional treatment.

Classical drug therapy is prescribed with an increase in the thyroid gland no more than the third degree. In this case, the main role is played by cytostatics. Primarily appoint Mercazolil, it is taken at 30-60 mg per day, it depends on the stage of the disease. After a certain time, the patient is transferred to a dose of 2.5 to 5 mg per day, this treatment should last at least a year. If the patient after 6 months of persistent remission is observed, the drug is stopped taking, but the patient needs further care.

Therapy, with iodine, is strictly prescribed by the endocrinologist. Apply potassium perchlorate, it blocks the penetration of iodine into the thyroid gland. The complex treatment includes beta-blockers, such as Obsidan, Inderal, Anaprilin. Indication for their use: extrasystole, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation. It is also necessary to take the drug Prednisolone or Hydrocortisone.

In case of exhaustion of the patient's body, medicamentous support with anabolic steroids is used, and general restorative therapy is performed.

Folk Remedies for the Treatment of Grave Disease

Traditional medicine copes quite effectively with the disease in the initial stages. But before practicing self-treatment, it is strongly recommended to consult a competent specialist for advice.

Effective methods of folk treatment

  1. If there is a thickening of the neck, it is necessary to drink infusion of thyme. The way of preparation is simple enough: one tablespoon of a herb is scalded with a glass of boiled water. The medicine is insisted for 20 minutes in a sealed container. Then infusion filter and drink three times a day for one glass.
  2. This collection of herbs affects the strengthening and toning of the body. One glass of herbage motherwort mixed with peppermint, roots of valerian in equal proportions of one tablespoon. Then add two tablespoons of hawthorn fruit. We take one st. Spoon the mixture and pour a glass of boiling water, then leave for 30 minutes to infuse. After you strain and drink before meals in the morning and evening for 100 grams. Take the medicine is necessary for a month every day. Then a break for 10 days is done.
  3. The composition of the next medicine includes walnut partitions. One glass of partitions should be filled with vodka - 2 cups. Leave to infuse for 2 weeks in a dark place. Strain the medicine, mix 100 grams with a glass of water, get a syrup, mix it with tincture and drink 15 drops in the morning and in the evening for 10 days. After they take a break for 20 days and again take 10 days.

Prevention of

In order to reduce the risk of disease, avoid stressful situations and shocks. Try to react calmly to problems and conflicts. A cozy and quiet microclimate in the family will help you with this.

It is very important to observe the regime of the day, be alert in the morning, and at night you need a healthy and full sleep. Proper nutrition, walking in the fresh air - all this is very important and useful. More often do wet cleaning in the room to prevent malfunctions in the body. In moderation, perform physical exercises.

Try to treat infectious diseases in a timely manner, especially in the case of the nasopharynx. As you know, Graves disease is inherited, contact the endocrinologist, even if there are any deviations from the norm.