EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. (Parry's, Graves or Basedows Disease)
Categories:
Diseases of The Blood And Ductless Galnds
It is
characterized by exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes), Goitre, fast beating
of the heart, trembling and nervousness.
Causes. It is most common in women from twenty to thirty. Several cases
may occur in the same family. The exact cause is unknown.
Symptoms. Acute cases. Sudden onset, vomiting, diarrhea, the heart beats
fast with throbbing arteries, bulging of the eyes, enlarged thyroid gland.
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Death may occur in a few days.
Chronic Cases. There is usually a gradual onset of tachy cardia,--fast
beating of the heart,--pulse being 100 to 180 or more, if excited. Later
there are throbbing of the arteries and of the thyroid glands.
Bulging of the eyeball is sometimes extreme. There may be fever and
usually is anemia, emaciation, weakness, nervousness, perspiration,
difficult breathing, dark color of the skin. It usually lasts several
years. Spontaneous recovery may occur in six months to a year and is not
common. Recovery is rare in advanced cases.
Treatment. Prolonged rest in bed, with an ice bag constantly over the
heart, or better over the lower part of the neck and upper breast bone.
Avoid all worry and excitement. Drugs are uncertain. Surgery is sometimes
resorted to. The thyroid extract has been used.