Basedow

Basedow may refer to several topics, including a town in Germany, a surname, and a medical condition more commonly known outside of Germany as Graves' disease. This article will focus on the medical aspect, which is the most widely recognized usage of the term.

Basedow's Disease

Basedow's Disease, also known as Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disorder that is most commonly known for affecting the thyroid gland, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). This condition is named after Karl Adolph von Basedow, a German physician who first described the disease in the 19th century.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Basedow's Disease are varied and can affect multiple systems within the body. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
• Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Weight loss
• Tremors
• Heat intolerance
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Fatigue

Causes

The exact cause of Basedow's Disease is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Basedow's Disease typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These tests may include:

• Measurement of levels of thyroid hormones in the blood (T3, T4)
• Measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
• Radioactive iodine uptake test
• Thyroid scan

Treatment

Treatment for Basedow's Disease aims to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Options include:

• Antithyroid medications
• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland)

In addition to these treatments, symptom management may include beta-blockers to reduce heart rate and tremors.

Epidemiology

Basedow's Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in areas where iodine levels are sufficient. It is more prevalent in women than in men and typically presents between the ages of 20 and 40.

History

Karl Adolph von Basedow first described the disease in 1840, noting the triad of goiter, palpitations, and exophthalmos. However, similar symptoms had been described earlier by others, and the condition is known as Graves' disease in English-speaking countries, after Robert Graves, an Irish physician who described the condition in 1835.

See Also

• Hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid
• Autoimmune disease
• Endocrinology