Is Graves Disease life threatening? You're probably wondering this if you've just been diagnosed. The good news is that Graves Disease usually isn't life threatening, but without proper treatment, the complications can lead to a life-threatening condition. That is why it is important to see a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of Graves Disease, and to follow treatments to prevent worsening symptoms and complications.
Understanding Graves Disease
Graves disease is a form of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. This occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, maintain body temperature levels and influence growth and fertility. When the thyroid is off-balance, these systems are adversely affected.
Overactive metabolism can lead to a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety, weight loss and difficulty sleeping. In addition, swelling can occur behind the eyeballs, causing them to protrude. The thyroid gland can swell, causing a goiter or choking off the windpipe.
Treating Graves Disease
There are drugs that can reduce the hormone output of the thyroid. It often takes a little time for this treatment to be effective, because doctors need to monitor hormone output and the patient's overall health. Once the right balance is found, taking daily medication will minimize symptoms and greatly lower the risk of complications.
Other treatment options include radioactive iodine to reduce the size of the thyroid, or surgical removal of the thyroid. While there is no cure, symptoms can be controlled, greatly improving the quality of the person's life.
Graves Risks
If symptoms are left untreated, Graves Disease can cause double vision from eye swelling. Pregnant women with Graves disease are at risk for birth complications and could pass the disease to the developing baby. A sudden surge in activity by the thyroid can also cause a toxic reaction, called thyrotoxicosis. This is life-threatening, and can lead to psychosis and coma. The best thing you can do is to be seen by a doctor immediately if you suspect that you have symptoms of Graves disease.
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