What Is Enlarged Thyroid
By: LizzyTotal Views: 130, Word Count: 437,
An enlargement in the thyroid gland simply symbolizes thyroid disease named goiter. Basically the problem starts as soon as the thyroid gland stops performing its function of secreting enough hormones but this is not diagnosed very early. One gets to know about the disease by either the enlargement of the neck or some swelling or even when there is an emergence of tiny lump inside the gland.
Our thyroid gland produces hormones named T4/thyroxine and T3/triiodothyronine that are responsible for regulating the metabolic rate in the body. This is one of the most important functions by which the food is burnt. Some tissues and cells also require these hormones to perform other functions of the body.
Causes that often lead to thyroid goiter are:
Intake of iodine deficit food: This was very common in past few years especially in some areas of Africa as well as Asia. But as soon as people became more and more industrialized, the use if iodine in form of salt and other artificial food supplement became popular which eliminated this cause almost completely.
Antibiotic reactions also can cause goiter. Intake of chemical drugs to cure some diseases or goiter itself can react with the functioning of the gland by which the gland gets shrinks that increases the problem instead of decreasing.
Another important and popular cause seen in most of the cases is the ill effects of autoimmune diseases. It gives rise to goiter in the form of thyroid inflammation.
Symptoms that signify the growth of goiter are:
- Swelling inside the thyroid gland by which the size of the neck increases.
- Swallowing and breathing difficulties that one has to suffer due to the compressed windpipe.
- Voice becomes harsh causing some other throat problems as well.
Goiter is a severe disease that creates many difficulties and its treatment also depends upon the severity of the disease. Most recommended treatments are:
Iodine replacement therapy is very often suggested to fulfill the impact of iodine deficiency.
Goiter results in causing an imbalance in the thyroid gland due to which the production of high or low amount of thyroid hormones takes place. To heal this problem your doctor might suggest some good balancing supplement for controlling this production of hormones to a required level.
The method of radioactive therapy is also suggested in which the person has to intake a radioactive iodine capsule.
Finally if the problem is much more severe surgery is the final option that can treat the disease effectively.
About the Author
Dr. Lizzy has utilized all her life in researching various causes, symptoms and treatments for treating several diseases. Her areas of interest include thyroid problems, weight loss, weight gain, hair loss etc.
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