Fortunately, there are several treatment options for Graves disease. One of these is surgery, which can be done on both the upper and lower eyelids. This surgery is needed because the eyelid muscles can become tight and make closing them difficult. The surgery involves an incision made along the natural crease of the eyelid. The affected eyelid muscle is then scraped away. This allows the eyelid to hang over the eyeball more effectively, which may alleviate dry eye symptoms.
What is the best treatment for Graves disease?
There are several treatments for Graves’ disease. Treatments include antithyroid drugs such as methimazole or propylthiouracil. These medications work by allowing patients with Graves’ disease to enter a remission. However, these drugs are not recommended for use by pregnant or breast-feeding women. These medications interfere with the production of thyroid hormones and can have adverse effects.
Another treatment for Graves disease is thyroidectomy, which is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Although this is not recommended for most patients, it is often the most effective treatment for Graves’ disease. It may also be a viable option for patients who have large goiters. However, this treatment may cause hypothyroidism. Alternatively, patients may opt to take beta-blocking drugs, which are drugs that block the action of thyroid hormones in the blood.
Can you be cured of Graves disease?
There is no cure for Graves’ disease, but there are treatments that can keep the thyroid hormone levels in check. In some cases, medical care can even make the symptoms disappear temporarily. One treatment is beta-blockers, which help regulate the heart and protect the heart until other hyperthyroidism treatments take effect. Another treatment is radioactive iodine, which targets the thyroid gland and destroys the cells that produce thyroid hormones.
While there is no known cure for Graves’ disease, doctors can prescribe antithyroid drugs to prevent the symptoms from coming back. The most common type of antithyroid drug is methimazole. Propylthiouracil is less common and is used in select cases when methimazole is not tolerated. Typically, these drugs are taken for 12-18 months. Some patients may need to take medications for the remainder of their lives.
Is Graves disease very serious?
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children. It occurs when the body produces antibodies that make the thyroid gland overactive. These antibodies usually help the body fight infections, but they also interfere with the thyroid’s ability to control its own hormone levels. This results in very high levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Although doctors are not certain of the cause of this condition, it is very serious and requires medical treatment.
Treatments for Graves disease may involve taking medications that target the thyroid. One of the most common treatments involves radioactive iodine therapy. This treatment involves taking small doses of radioactive iodine. However, this therapy is not always effective and may take several weeks or months to see results. In rare cases, doctors may recommend surgery of the thyroid. However, this may not be necessary right away, since thyroid cancer is rare with Graves disease.
Can you live a normal life with Graves disease?
Treatment for Graves disease aims to control the overproduction of thyroid hormones and reduce symptoms. It can include radioactive iodine therapy, anti-thyroid medications, and surgery to remove the gland. However, you should speak with your doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.
One of the most common symptoms of Graves disease is thick, red skin. It’s commonly found on the shins, but can also affect the feet. Though the skin inflammation is not painful, it can be a problem if it affects your vision. Some people may also experience retracted eyelids and swelling around the eyes. The condition can also affect the mother’s unborn child.
People with Graves disease should not smoke because it increases their risk for developing Graves’ disease. Smoking also makes eye problems worse. In some people, a doctor may prescribe prednisone to reduce the eye irritation. Eye drops and sunglasses may also help. If the condition becomes severe, surgery or radiation therapy may be recommended.
What is the main cause of Graves disease?
Graves disease is caused by an overproduction of the thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are responsible for the heart’s rhythm and when they’re too high, they can lead to an irregular heartbeat. This can result in heart failure or stroke. As such, treating hyperthyroidism is crucial to preventing heart complications.
Surgery is one of the most common treatments for Graves disease, but it can lead to several risks. Surgery can cause temporary neck pain, a hoarse or weak voice, and a scar depending on how much thyroid tissue is removed. Some people also experience eye problems. In some cases, the disease can cause double vision or even blindness.
Treatments for Graves disease include antithyroid drugs and surgery. Radioactive iodine treatment is also an option, but is not usually the first line of treatment. Surgical treatment may be recommended in patients who are too frightened to take medications or who are pregnant. In severe cases, radioiodine therapy can lead to eye complications. Patients may also need to take medication for the rest of their lives.