How is graves’ disease treated?

Graves’ disease is also known as diffuse toxic goiter. Treatment of Graves’ disease includes antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, iodine, beta-blockers, and surgery. 1. Antithyroid drugs: including thioureas and imidazoles. Thioureas include propylthiouracil, methylthiouracil, etc. Imidazoles include methimazole, carbimazole, etc. Their mechanism of action is to inhibit the thyroid gland. Their mechanism of action is to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones. 2. Radioactive iodine: after iodine 131 is ingested by the thyroid gland, it releases β-rays, which destroy the thyroid cells. β-rays have a range of only 2mm within the tissues, and therefore do not involve the surrounding tissues. Radioactive iodine treatment is prohibited for pregnant women and breastfeeding patients. 3. Iodine agents: excessive iodine intake will aggravate the condition. Compound sodium iodide solution is only used before surgery and in thyroid crisis. 4. Beta-blocking drugs: such as propranolol, which can reduce the conversion of T4 to T3 and also inhibit the stimulatory effect of thyroid hormones on the heart. 5. Surgery: Surgery to remove a portion of the thyroid tissue to reduce the secretion of thyroid hormones. Patients with Graves’ disease should go to regular hospitals for standardized treatment and should not use medication on their own.