Graves' Disease
Running Head: GRAVES’ DISEASE
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ Disease Graves’ disease, also known as toxic diffuse goiter, is the most common cause (80%) of hyperthyroidism in the United States (Rakel & Bope, 2008). Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs (Nettina, 2006). Over activity of the thyroid gland leads to high levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream and speeding up of vital body functions (Grave 's Disease, 2008). Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system acts against its own healthy cells and tissues. It ranges from a mild increase in metabolic rate to the severe hyperactivity known as thyrotoxicosis, thyroid storm, or thyroid crisis (Nettina, 2006). Hyperthyroidism occurs in less than one percent of the U. S. population (Huether & McCance, 2008). It is more common in women than in men and occurs in about 2% of the female population (Nettina, 2006). Only 5% of hyperthyroid patients are diagnosed before age 15, as the condition is most frequently identified in white women between the ages of 30 and 40 and is more common after childbirth (Nettina, 2006). Graves’ Disease is often hereditary, especially in women, and is usually precipitated by a concurrent illness (Grave 's Disease, 2008). According to the National endocrine and metabolic disease information website, scientists do not know exactly why some people develop Graves’ disease, but they believe factors such as age, sex, heredity, and emotional and environmental stress are involved. An individual’s chance of developing Graves’ disease increases if other family members have it. According to the aforementioned website, researchers have not been able to find a specific gene that causes the disease to be passed from one generation to the next. Scientists know that some people
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ Disease Graves’ disease, also known as toxic diffuse goiter, is the most common cause (80%) of hyperthyroidism in the United States (Rakel & Bope, 2008). Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs (Nettina, 2006). Over activity of the thyroid gland leads to high levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream and speeding up of vital body functions (Grave 's Disease, 2008). Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system acts against its own healthy cells and tissues. It ranges from a mild increase in metabolic rate to the severe hyperactivity known as thyrotoxicosis, thyroid storm, or thyroid crisis (Nettina, 2006). Hyperthyroidism occurs in less than one percent of the U. S. population (Huether & McCance, 2008). It is more common in women than in men and occurs in about 2% of the female population (Nettina, 2006). Only 5% of hyperthyroid patients are diagnosed before age 15, as the condition is most frequently identified in white women between the ages of 30 and 40 and is more common after childbirth (Nettina, 2006). Graves’ Disease is often hereditary, especially in women, and is usually precipitated by a concurrent illness (Grave 's Disease, 2008). According to the National endocrine and metabolic disease information website, scientists do not know exactly why some people develop Graves’ disease, but they believe factors such as age, sex, heredity, and emotional and environmental stress are involved. An individual’s chance of developing Graves’ disease increases if other family members have it. According to the aforementioned website, researchers have not been able to find a specific gene that causes the disease to be passed from one generation to the next. Scientists know that some people
References: Grave 's Disease. (2008, May). Retrieved March 18, 2009, from National endocrine and metabolic disease information service: http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/graves Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2008). Understanding pathophysiology (4th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. Hyperthyroidism. (2008, June). Retrieved March 16, 2009, from The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The merck manual for healthcare professionals: http://www.merck.com Nettina, S. M. (2006). Lippincott manual of nursingpPractice. Ambler: Lippincott. Rakel, R. M., & Bope, E. (2008). Conn 's current therapy 2008. Philadelphia: Saunders.