How Long Can You Live With Grave’s Disease?

Grave disease is not a death sentence; as, people with this disease can live their lives to the fullest. But how long can you live with Grave’s disease, you might be asking yourself? The duration depends on some conditions, like the stage of the disease and other such factors. For example, early diagnosis and medical intervention make it possible for some individuals to have a normal life expectancy.

What is Graves’ disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. It causes the thyroid gland to secrete too much thyroid hormone. The name Gave disease was named after Robert J. Graves, an Irish physician, in 1835.

Grave disease is a chronic condition that can affect an individual in different ways. One of the ways is that it stimulates the gland to secrete excess T4 and T3 hormones.

The most common sign of Graves’ disease is hyperthyroidism, where one loses weight, has a fast heart rate or pulse, has anxiety, has tremors, and has difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can affect patients and can get worse if not treated on time.

Also, a person may experience signs of mental disorders if he or she has Graves’ disease. It can also be hard to cope with stress. If these symptoms are present, you need to see an endocrinologist.

Causes of Graves ‘disease

Autoimmune Response

Graves’ disease is one of the autoimmune diseases whereby the human immune system fights against the body’s tissue. In this case, the immune system develops antibodies that will make the thyroid gland secrete increased amounts of thyroid hormone.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also because Graves’ disease since it is an autoimmune disease influenced by genetic factors. Stress, smoking, and certain infections can trigger the condition.

Iodine Intake

Iodine, when taken in large amounts, may cause Grave’s disease. Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and too much of it may worsen the situation in people suffering from Graves’ disease.

Stress

The effects of stress, can be chronic in most cases; it suppreses the immune system. High-stress levels can lead to autoimmune diseases or make an existing one worse.

Infections

Researchers also state that there are infections that may cause Graves’ disease, and most of the time, they are viral infections. One can get infected by a virus or bacteria, and when immunity fights the invading pathogen, it can affect the level of thyroid hormones causing the disease.

Antithyroid Medications

In certain circumstances, medications for hyperthyroidism or any other thyroid ailment can cause Graves’ disease. These medicines alter the normal function and regulation of the thyroid gland in the body.

Radiation Exposure

Regular use of X-rays and radioactive iodine and being in areas that display high levels of radiation, both natural and man-made, have been associated with thyroid disorders. The thyroid gland and its normal functioning can also be affected by radiation.

Other Autoimmune Disorders

Graves’ disease might also be found to develop in other individuals who have other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes. Since autoimmune disease compromises the immune system, the patient is likely to develop other autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of Graves ‘ disease

1. Weight Loss: A common sign of Graves’ disease is sudden weight loss. Although it’s not only grave’s disease that can make one lose weight drastically, the sudden weight loss is because the metabolism is raised due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
2. Weakness: Another symptom of Grave’s disease is fatigue. Patients with this disease also suffer from weakness, even though their metabolism rate is raised. This could be because the thyroid gland is too active.
3. Rapid Heartbeat: This is due to the increased activity of the thyroid gland, which may cause the patient’s heart rate to rise.
4. Heat intolerance: Graves’ disease causes individuals to develop hot flushes or perspire more than normal in ordinary temperatures. This is because the thyroid hormones cause increased metabolism and the production of heat in the body.
5. Muscle Weakness: Graves’ disease can cause nervousness and muscle weakness since too many thyroid hormones may impact the functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
6. Anxiety: This condition results from an imbalance of hormones, and people with Graves’ disease may feel anxious or easily irritated. This could be a result of the effects of thyroid hormones on the mood-regulating system in the body.
7. Insomnia: People with Grave’s disease may also have sleep disturbances and sleepless nights with signs of restlessness. These symptoms can get worse due to an increase in metabolism and hormonal fluctuations.
8. Bulging Eyes (Graves’ Ophthalmopathy): The eyes of persons suffering from Graves ’ disease may also become itchy or bulge out. This condition is referred to as Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
9. Swelling in the Neck (Goiter): An enlarged thyroid gland in the neck called a goiter is also among the symptoms. This may also lead to a sore throat, dysphagia, or alterations in speech and voice production.
10. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Graves’ Disease affects women’s reproductive health by causing changes in menstrual cycles and heavy or irregular bleeding.

How Long Can You Live With Grave’s Disease? Treatment

1. Medications: Common approaches to managing Graves’ disease include drug prescriptions to address signs and control the activity of the thyroid gland. Medications, including methimazole or propylthiouracil, can be taken to prevent the increased production of thyroid hormones. These medications help to ease the symptoms and regulate the hormone balance.
2. Radioactive iodine therapy: Graves’ disease can also be treated using radioactive iodine therapy. This treatment involves swallowing a radioactive iodine pill, which lodges in the thyroid gland and destroys the hyperactive cells that secrete too much hormone. It can help manage symptoms and hormones; however, it has side effects such as hypothyroidism, which requires thyroid hormone for a lifetime.
3. Surgery: At times, a complete or partial thyroidectomy to remove the gland may be advised based on the situation. This option is typically used if the patient is not getting better on medications or if the patient has large goiters that make it difficult to swallow or breathe. Graves’ disease can be managed through thyroidectomy, but the procedure may have side effects such as paralysis of the vocal cords or parathyroid glands.
4. Beta blockers: Another type of medication that might be used in cases of Graves’ disease is beta blockers. Beta-blockers help to control the impact that adrenaline has on the body, which can be useful in addressing issues such as increased heart rate and shaking.
5. Alternative therapies: While some patients may opt for conventional treatments for managing the symptoms of Graves’ disease, others may opt for other treatments like acupuncture, herbal medications, or changes in diet.

That being said, some, if not all, of these treatments do provide relief for certain symptoms, but always seek advice from your doctor before using any of these treatment options.

Read also: Does Chronic Kidney Disease Cause Low Platelets?

How to prevent Graves’ disease

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Graves’ disease requires that the patient stick to a proper diet plan. The person needs to eat foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain food products, and lean meats. Most importantly, they should reduce processed foods and limit their intake of caffeine and sugar, as these can also provide relief from symptoms.
2. Stay active: Physical activity helps in losing weight because obesity can worsen Graves’ disease symptoms due to stress. Try to do 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity workout activities at least five to six times a week. Walking, yoga, swimming, or cycling are good physical exercises you might want to include in your exercise routine.
3. Get plenty of rest. Sufficient sleep is vital to the body’s healing process and general health. Ensure to develop a good sleeping plan in order to deal with stress and have ample time to sleep in order to charge up the body system.
4. Practice stress-reducing techniques: Stress worsens the conditions; therefore, it is vital to reduce stress as much as possible. To clear your mind and relax, take a shower, do some deep breathing, or listen to soothing music.
5. Regularly monitor thyroid levels: Monitoring thyroid hormones is essential for patients with Graves’ disease as it helps in managing the condition. Remember to attend your medical appointments regularly and consult with your doctor about any changes.
6. Stay hydrated: Sufficient intake of water is helpful for one’s health and even more important for individuals with Graves’ disease. Drinking the right amounts of water can lead to increased energy, better bowel movement, and proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Regarding grave disease, the issue of how long one can survive with the disease is not direct. It depends on the condition of the disease. Even though people with grave diseases can live for many years if the disease is well managed, some may struggle to do so.

Like any other disease, one need to seek doctors advice for the best treatment option. Remember, early detection and proper medication can make a person with a grave disease live a normal life.