Basedow’s disease develops when a person has hyperthyroidism – when the thyroid gland creates excess thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control various crucial bodily processes, such as metabolism and brain development. The symptoms can vary widely because thyroid hormones impact many different bodily systems. Women and individuals under 40 are at increased risk of this condition. Keep reading to learn more about the condition, its symptoms, its causes, and how to manage it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Basedow disease usually appear gradually and take weeks or months to manifest in a person’s body. Some common warning signs to watch out for include-

• Palpitations and a rapid, irregular pulse
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
• Enlarged thyroid
• Heat sensitivity
• Anxiety and anger
• Fatigue
• Tremors of the fingers or hand
• A shaky feeling
• Moist skin
• Sleeping issues
• Body mass loss without trying
• Irregular menstruation cycles

Other severe complications that people experience include-

• Stroke
• Cardiovascular issues such as heart failure
• Thinning bones
• Thyroid storm, an uncommon but life-threatening surge in symptoms

Basedow’s disease, also known as Graves’ disease, can also result in complications associated with eye diseases in some people, including-

• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• Bulging eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Your eyelids may feel tight or painful
• Double or blurred vision
• Inflamed eyes

This condition is referred to as thyroid eye disease or Graves ophthalmopathy. If someone experiences the symptoms listed above, they must visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for treatment.

Pretibial myxedema, also known as Graves’ dermopathy, is a reddish thickening of the skin on the shin area that rarely occurs in individuals with Basedow’s disease. Although it’s typically mild and painless, some individuals may experience discomfort.

Causes
Though the exact cause of the illness is still unknown, it is believed to be a result of a mix of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Some potential causal factors of Basedow’s disease are listed below.

• Genetics- Basedow’s disease is more likely to affect people with a family history of thyroid problems. The disease has also been linked to a few genetic alterations.
• Allergic factors- Basedow’s illness is characterized by an overactive immune system that creates antibodies that encourage the thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormone. Although the precise cause of this autoimmune reaction is unknown, it might be connected to a bacterial or viral infection.
• Age and gender- Basedow’s disease commonly affects people below 40 but affects men less frequently than women.
• Environmental factors- Basedow’s disease risk may be increased by exposure to environmental toxins.
• Stress- The onset of the disease has also been linked to stress and emotional trauma.
• Pregnancy – Pregnancy or recent childbirth puts a person at an increased risk of getting the condition.

Treatment
Basedow’s disease is treated after taking the patient’s age, general health, and other criteria. The main objectives of treatment are to ease symptoms, restore normal thyroid hormone levels, and avoid problems. Some natural remedies and treatments to manage Basedow’s disease are listed below.

• Nutritional changes- A nutritious meal plan comprising natural foods can help the immune system and general well-being. Those high in selenium, such as Brazil nuts, eggs, and mushrooms, as well as those high in iodine, such as seaweed, shellfish, and iodized salt, may be helpful for thyroid function. Symptoms can be managed by avoiding processed meals, excessive sugar, and caffeine.
• Stress reduction- Chronic stress can aggravate the symptoms of Basedow’s disease. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can aid with stress management.
• Herbal treatments- A few herbal remedies like bugleweed and lemon balm may benefit thyroid function. However, it is crucial to remember that herbal medicines should be used only after consulting a healthcare professional.
• Exercise- Regular exercise can enhance energy levels, reduce stress, and promote general health. Before starting any workout regimen, speak with a healthcare provider.
• Surgery- The thyroid gland is surgically removed, entirely or partially, during a thyroidectomy. Some patients generate too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) following surgery. If you get this condition, you might need to take thyroid replacement hormone prescriptions for the remainder of your life.

Basedow’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that stimulates the thyroid gland to generate thyroid hormones, which results in hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease can be diagnosed using medical history and procedures such as blood tests, ultrasound, and imaging tests.

A healthcare professional must be consulted before opting for treatments to manage Basedow’s disease. Depending on how the patient responds to therapy, the course of the treatment may need to change over time. This condition is rarely fatal, but if not treated on time, Basedow’s disease can lead to cardiovascular conditions and eye diseases.