What is Grave's disease also known as?

What is Grave's disease also known as?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Exophthalmic goiter
• C. Thyroiditis
• D. Hashimoto's disease

Answer: (B)

Grave's disease is indeed referred to as exophthalmic goiter due to its characteristic symptoms that often include an enlarged thyroid (goiter) and exophthalmos, which is the protrusion of the eyes. This autoimmune disorder leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. The term "exophthalmic" highlights one of the most visible symptoms, making it a recognizable name for the condition. This designation helps differentiate Grave's disease from other thyroid-related disorders that may not present with the same eye involvement or thyroid enlargement. The other conditions listed have distinct characteristics. Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid, which is the opposite of what occurs in Grave's disease. Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can have various causes, while Hashimoto's disease is another autoimmune condition that typically results in hypothyroidism rather than hyperthyroidism and is characterized by the destruction of thyroid tissue. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.

Grave's disease is indeed referred to as exophthalmic goiter due to its characteristic symptoms that often include an enlarged thyroid (goiter) and exophthalmos, which is the protrusion of the eyes. This autoimmune disorder leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. The term "exophthalmic" highlights one of the most visible symptoms, making it a recognizable name for the condition. This designation helps differentiate Grave's disease from other thyroid-related disorders that may not present with the same eye involvement or thyroid enlargement.

The other conditions listed have distinct characteristics. Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid, which is the opposite of what occurs in Grave's disease. Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can have various causes, while Hashimoto's disease is another autoimmune condition that typically results in hypothyroidism rather than hyperthyroidism and is characterized by the destruction of thyroid tissue. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.