By: aaron adish
Submitted: 2010-10-18 04:21:41 | Word Count: 606
Thyroid Goiter - Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland that is found at intervals our neck provides essential hormones that help to manage our body's metabolism. When this gland becomes abnormally enlarged it is referred to as the condition called goiter.
The thyroid gland can become enlarged because of numerous totally different conditions and is typically painless and small to moderate size goiters could not cause any visible signs or symptoms and usually do not need medical treatment.
However, a large goiter will cause uncomfortable symptoms such as problem respiration or swallowing and may be treated with medications or a surgery in order to alleviate these symptoms.
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Symptoms of a Goiter
Whereas tiny to moderate goiters may not cause any visible signs or symptoms, when the thyroid gland becomes significantly enlarged an individual might expertise many uncomfortable symptoms together with problem breathing or swallowing due to the swelling of the gland putting pressure on the windpipe (trachea) or esophagus.
A private could additionally have hoarseness or amendment in their voice as the swelling of the gland causes a compression on the recurrent laryngeal nerve. A sense of tightness could also occur within the throat along with coughing.
Causes of a Goiter
There are numerous underlying conditions that can cause the swelling of enlargement of the thyroid gland, however, a goiter is will not forever cause the thyroid gland to function abnormally and it will still continue to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces essential thyroid hormones by absorbing and utilizing iodine that we tend to obtain from bound foods.
An iodine deficiency will cause the condition of goiter; but, this is typically not a common problem in developed countries as there is sometimes a sufficient quantity of iodine consumed through foods and table salt.
Hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid - is the condition in which the thyroid produces an excessive amount of of the thyroid hormones and will cause the swelling of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by many conditions together with Grave's disease which is an autoimmune disorder.
Hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid - will also cause goiter and is the condition in that the thyroid produces too very little of the thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by several underlying conditions together with Hashimoto's disease that is an autoimmune disorder.
Generally nodules or lumps that are solid or filled with fluid will develop on both sides of the thyroid and is the condition known as multinodular goiter that also causes the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Solitary thyroid nodules can also cause swelling and are single nodules that develop and affect some of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid cancer will conjointly cause goiter, however, thyroid cancer is comparatively rare. Pregnant women will additionally develop a goiter throughout pregnancy thanks to the release of sure hormones; but, this is often sometimes a small enlargement and usually goes away a brief time after giving birth.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland or thyroiditis can occur because of various underlying conditions and causes swelling or pain of the thyroid. While several cases of goiter require no medical treatment, if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that may be related to a thyroid condition you must consult along with your physician for a proper diagnosis.
Author Resource:-
David Daniels has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Thyroid, you can also check out latest website about
