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Diffuse toxic goiter, or Basedow’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland in which the immune system stimulates excessive production of thyroid hormones. In international medical practice, this condition is also known as Graves’ disease.
As a result of hyperproduction of thyroid hormones, patients develop thyrotoxicosis — a persistent hormonal imbalance that affects the cardiovascular system, nervous system, metabolism, and overall physical condition. The disease may gradually progress over a long period, and nonspecific early manifestations often remain without proper attention.
At the medical center «Oxford Medical», you can receive a consultation with an experienced endocrinologist. The clinic is equipped with expert-class equipment for accurate instrumental diagnostics, and the presence of its own laboratory allows for rapid and precise assessment of hormonal status. This ensures timely diagnosis, determination of the severity of disorders, and selection of an optimal treatment strategy taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Make an appointment with a doctor in the endocrinology department at a convenient time by phone or via the online appointment form.
The causes of diffuse toxic goiter are associated with dysfunction of the immune system. The disease has an autoimmune nature — the body begins to produce antibodies that stimulate thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors, forcing the thyroid gland to work excessively actively and produce an excess of thyroid hormones.
Basedow’s disease develops as a result of immune regulation failure, when the body’s defense mechanisms mistakenly perceive thyroid cells as a target for attack. As a result, diffuse involvement of the entire gland tissue occurs without the formation of clearly defined nodules, which determines the characteristic course of the disease.
Among the factors that may contribute to triggering the autoimmune process are hereditary predisposition, chronic psychoemotional stress, hormonal changes, infectious diseases, as well as the influence of external factors. In Graves’ disease, the causes are often complex — a combination of genetic predisposition and triggering factors may lead to disease development at different periods of life.
In diffuse goiter, symptoms may vary in intensity depending on the stage
of the disease and individual characteristics of the body. They often have a systemic nature, as hormonal imbalance affects the functioning of various organs. In the early stages of Graves’ disease, symptoms are usually nonspecific.
The most common signs of diffuse goiter include:
rapid heartbeat, sensation of irregular heart rhythm;
increased sweating, heat intolerance;
hand tremor, internal sensation of shaking;
irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances;
weight loss with preserved or increased appetite;
general weakness, rapid fatigue;
diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be visually noticeable;
possible ocular symptoms in diffuse toxic goiter — sensation of sand in the eyes, dryness, tearing.
Changes in the thyroid gland in diffuse toxic goiter develop gradually. At different stages of the disease, enlargement of the gland may be barely noticeable or, conversely, clearly pronounced. Determining the degree of goiter allows the physician to assess the severity of the process, the risk of complications, and to choose the optimal treatment strategy.
Characterized by a slight enlargement of the thyroid gland. Visually, this is usually unnoticeable, but it may be detected during palpation. At this stage, patients more often pay attention not to changes in the neck area, but to general symptoms associated with hormonal disorders.
Diffuse toxic goiter of grade 2 is accompanied by a more pronounced enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is well detected on palpation and may be noticeable during visual examination. The contours of the neck gradually change, and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis become more noticeable. During this period, the disease usually already requires systematic medical observation and treatment.
Manifests as a significant enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is clearly visible. This condition may be accompanied by a sensation of pressure in the neck area, discomfort during swallowing, and sometimes difficulty breathing. At this stage, the risk of complications increases, therefore treatment is selected individually, taking into account the patient’s general condition and the activity of hormonal disorders.
Diffuse goiter in children occurs less frequently than in adults; however, it may have a more pronounced impact on overall development and the psychoemotional state of the child.
In children, the disease often manifests not only with classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, but also with behavioral changes. The following may be observed:
Diffuse goiter in children may remain externally inconspicuous for a long time. Enlargement of the thyroid gland does not always immediately attract attention, therefore the disease is sometimes diagnosed already at the stage of pronounced hormonal disorders.
During the consultation, the physician assesses the patient’s complaints, analyzes the nature and duration of symptoms, уточняет the presence of hereditary predisposition and concomitant diseases. Examination and palpation of the thyroid gland are mandatory for preliminary assessment of its size and structure.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:
A comprehensive diagnostic approach allows not only confirmation of diffuse toxic goiter, but also assessment of disease severity, timely detection of possible complications, and formation of an individual plan for further treatment.
Treatment of diffuse toxic goiter is selected individually after examination and depends on the degree of the disease. The main goal is to reduce excessive hormone production, stabilize the condition, and prevent complications.
Drug therapy involves the use of special medications that reduce the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Such treatment allows gradual normalization of hormonal levels and reduction of manifestations of thyrotoxicosis.
Drug therapy is most often prescribed at the early stages of the disease or as the first stage of treatment. Medications are taken for a long time with regular laboratory monitoring of hormone levels. In some patients, stable remission may be achieved during treatment; however, in certain cases, symptoms may return after discontinuation of medications, which requires revision of the treatment strategy.
Radioiodine therapy is a treatment method in which the patient takes a preparation containing radioactive iodine in the form of a capsule or solution. Radioactive iodine accumulates in thyroid cells and gradually reduces their hormonal activity. As a result, the level of thyroid hormones decreases and symptoms of the disease weaken.
This method is used in cases where drug therapy has not provided stable results, causes side effects, or when the patient has contraindications.
After radioiodine therapy, the patient should regularly visit a physician, as over time there may be a need to adjust hormonal balance.
Surgical treatment involves partial resection or complete removal of the thyroid gland. It is recommended in cases of significant enlargement of the gland, development of compression symptoms (sensation of pressure in the neck area, difficulty swallowing or breathing), as well as when other treatment methods are ineffective.
After surgery, the patient may require hormone replacement therapy. Further follow-up with an endocrinologist is mandatory to monitor hormonal levels and general condition.
Surgical treatment can be performed in the department of endocrine surgery at «Oxford Medical».
Thyrotoxicosis in diffuse goiter is a consequence of excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This condition is responsible for most general symptoms of the disease. In the presence of thyrotoxicosis, the body functions under increased load; therefore, in addition to prescribed treatment, it is important to follow daily recommendations. They help reduce symptom severity and support overall condition during the treatment period.
Patients with thyrotoxicosis are advised to:
Compliance with these recommendations in combination with treatment helps reduce the risk of complications and maintain a stable condition throughout the entire therapy period.
The cost of treatment of diffuse goiter depends on the chosen therapy method. The treatment plan is formed individually after comprehensive examination. You can find out the price of a doctor’s consultation here.
Make an appointment at a convenient time by phone or via the online form on the website.
In most cases, the disease can be effectively controlled. Diffuse toxic goiter is a chronic autoimmune disorder; therefore, treatment strategy is aimed at eliminating thyrotoxicosis, normalizing hormonal levels, and achieving stable remission. With timely consultation, appropriate treatment selection, and regular medical monitoring, patients can lead a full life.
Yes, the risk of complications can be significantly reduced. To achieve this, it is important not to delay treatment, follow the endocrinologist’s recommendations, regularly monitor hormonal indicators, and not change prescribed therapy independently. Early detection and systematic treatment help prevent cardiovascular involvement and other consequences of thyrotoxicosis.
Experienced endocrinologists. Appointments are conducted by specialists with many years of experience who work according to modern clinical protocols.
Comprehensive diagnostics in one place. Patients can undergo laboratory tests and instrumental examinations within one clinic.
Individual approach to treatment. The therapy plan is selected taking into account the degree of the disease, severity of thyrotoxicosis, patient’s age, and concomitant diseases.
Convenient appointment scheduling. The ability to make an appointment by phone or via an online form simplifies visit planning.
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