Smoking and risk of Graves' disease

Article Abstract:

Smokers who have a family history of Graves' disease may be able to reduce their risk of developing the disease if they stop smoking. Graves' disease is a type of hyperthyroidism characterized by the formation of autoantibodies against the thyroid. It can lead to a type of eye disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy. A study of 450 patients with various types of thyroid disease found that the patients with Graves' disease alone were twice as likely to be smokers as the control group of 400 individuals without thyroid disease. Those with Graves' ophthalmopathy were over seven times as likely to be smokers as members of the control group. When smokers and nonsmokers with Graves' ophthalmopathy were compared, the smokers tended to have more severe eye disease. Smoking may affect the body's natural ability to suppress immune responses against its own tissue.

Eye diseases

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Tobacco and Graves' disease: smoking gun or smoke and mirrors?

Article Abstract:

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland, causing excess production of thyroid hormones. It tends to run in families, but may also have environmental causes. Some researchers believe that stress can precipitate Graves' disease in susceptible individuals. Others believe that it may be a reaction to an infection, perhaps by a bacterium that has proteins on its surface that resemble those in the thyroid gland. A 1993 study found that smokers had an increased risk of developing Graves' disease compared to non-smokers. However, smokers may engage in other behaviors that could predispose them to Graves' disease. On the other hand, cigarette smoke might affect the immune system in some way. Smokers who have a family history of Graves' disease should consider quitting.

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Combined T(sub 4) and T(sub 3) therapy -- back to the drawing board

Article Abstract:

Giving patients with hypothyroidism both T(sub 3) and T(sub 4) thyroid hormones may not be beneficial, according to three studies published in 2003. Although both hormones were used up until the 1970s, now most doctors give patients T(sub 4) only. They do this because studies showed that T(sub 4) is converted to T(sub 3) in the body. People with hypothyroidism do not produce enough natural thyroid hormone.

Care and treatment, Hypothyroidism, Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine

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