Goiter refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland, situated at the base of the neck, grows too large. The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam’s apple of your neck.
Goiter is usually a painless condition. However, a large goiter may result in cough and breathing or swallowing difficulty.
The most common reason why goiter occurs is because of the lack of iodine in one’s diet. In places where iodized salt is widely used, goiter occurs as a result of the overproduction or underproduction of the thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland.
Treatment for goiter depends on the underlying cause, the size of the goiter and the symptoms. Small goiters that are not much noticeable or do not cause any symptoms or problems can be left alone without treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Sometimes goiters do not cause any signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms occur, they normally include the following:
- A tight feeling in the throat
- Visible swelling below the Adam’s apple or at the base of your neck – this may be more obvious when you put on makeup or shave
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness
Treatment
Treatment for goiter usually depends on the signs and symptoms, size of goiter and the underlying cause of the condition.
The following treatment measures may be recommended by your health care provider:
- Observation. If the goiter is small and is not causing any symptoms, you will be directed to keep a close watch on it to ensure that your thyroid continues to work properly without any future complications.
- Medications. For people suffering from goiter due to hypothyroidism due to underproduction of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement by resolving symptoms and slow down the release of hormones that stimulate the thyroid gland thereby reducing its size. Inflammation of the thyroid gland may be treated with corticosteroid medication. In case of hyperthyroidism due to overproduction of the thyroid hormone, medications will be prescribed to regulate hormone levels.
- Radioactive iodine. Sometimes treatment for an overactive thyroid gland includes the intake of radioactive iodine, which can be taken orally. Radioactive iodine reaches the thyroid glands and destroys the thyroid cells, thus reducing the size of the goiter. However, underactive thyroid gland ma result therefore, hormone replacement becomes necessary.
- Surgery. Surgery is considered if a large goiter cases breathing or swallowing difficulty. Thyroid cancer is also treated with surgery.
Home remedies
For goiter that is caused by the diet, the following self-help tips may be beneficial:
- Consume an adequate amount of iodine. You must preferably use iodized salt consume or seaweed or sushi (such as sushi), twice a week. Shrimp and other selfish are also high iodine sources. For everybody, 150 micrograms of iodine is required on a daily basis however, pregnant and lactating women as well as infants and children, require adequate amounts
Reduce consumption of iodine. Sometimes, too much iodine in the diet can also result in goiter, however, this rarely occurs. If goiter occurs due to excess iodine, avoid shellfish, seaweed, and iodine fortified salt and iodine supplements.