Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, just below Adam’s apple, and a goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
In the United States, where iodized salt is widely used, a goiter is more frequently caused by the over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones or by nodules in the gland itself. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiters worldwide.
Small goiters that are unnoticeable and pose no problems typically don’t require treatment, but the type of treatment you receive will depend on the size of the goiter, your symptoms, and its cause.
Symptoms of Goiter
Signs and symptoms of goiters, which are not always present, may include the following:
- a swelling that may become more noticeable when you shave or wear makeup at the base of your neck
- You experience throat tightness
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Causes of Goiter
Thyroxine (T-4), which circulates in the bloodstream and helps regulate metabolism, and triiodothyronine (T-3), which affects heart rate and is produced by the thyroid gland, are the two main hormones that are produced by the gland.
The hormone calcitonin, which aids in controlling the level of calcium in the blood, is also produced by the thyroid gland.
The rate of T-4 and T-3 synthesis and release is regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Your thyroid gland can enlarge for a variety of reasons, but the following are the most typical ones:
Iodine deficiency.In the developing world, people who live inland or at high elevations are frequently iodine deficient and can develop goiters when the thyroid enlarges in an effort to obtain more iodine. Iodine deficiency may be made worse by a diet high in hormone-inhibiting foods, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and is found primarily in seawater and in the soil in coastal areas.
A deficiency in dietary iodine is not typically the cause of goiters in nations where it is regularly added to table salt and other foods.
Graves’ disease.In people with Graves’ disease, immune system-produced antibodies mistakenly target the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess thyroxine, which overstimulates the thyroid and causes it to swell. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Hashimoto’s disease.Similar to Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, but it damages your thyroid so that it produces too little hormone rather than causing it to produce too much, which can result in a goiter.
Your pituitary gland increases TSH production in response to a low hormone level, stimulating the thyroid and leading to an enlargement of the gland.
Multinodular goiter.In this condition, the thyroid gland enlarges overall due to the development of numerous nodules, which are solid or fluid-filled lumps, on both sides of the gland.
Solitary thyroid nodules.Since most nodules are benign and do not progress to cancer, in this instance, only one nodule in one area of the thyroid gland develops.
Thyroid cancer.A thyroid nodule can be accurately identified as cancerous or benign using a biopsy because thyroid cancer is much less common than benign thyroid nodules.
Pregnancy.Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, may cause a slight enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Inflammation.An inflammatory condition called thyroiditis can cause the thyroid to hurt and swell, and it can also affect how much or how little thyroxine the body produces.
Risk Factors of Goiter
Goiters are a condition that can affect anyone, can develop at any time during life, and can be present at birth.
- A lack of dietary iodine :People who don’t have access to iodine supplements and live in areas where iodine is scarce are at a higher risk of developing goiters.
- Being female :Women are more likely than men to suffer from thyroid conditions, which increases their risk of goiter development.
- Age :After age 40, goiters become more frequent.
- Medical history :An increased risk factor is having autoimmune disease in your family or personal history.
- Pregnancy and menopause :Thyroid issues are more common in women during menopause and pregnancy for unknown reasons.
- Certain medications :You run a higher risk if you receive certain medical treatments, such as the psychiatric drug lithium (Lithobid) and the heart medication amiodarone (Pacerone, among others).
- Radiation exposure :If you have received radiation therapy to the neck or chest region or if you have been exposed to radiation during a nuclear facility test or accident, your risk is increased.
Complications of Goiter
Large goiters can interfere with breathing, swallowing, and cause a cough and hoarseness, but small goiters that don’t interfere with physical or cosmetic issues are not a concern.
The symptoms of goiters that are brought on by other conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can range from fatigue and weight gain to unintended weight loss, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
Homeopathic Medicine for Goiter
Iodum – For Hyperactive Thyroid and Accelerated Metabolic Functions :One of the most commonly prescribed medications for goiter is iodum, which is used when the thyroid gland is enlarged, hyperactive, and the body’s metabolic processes are accelerated. The thyroid gland may also be indurated and hard in addition to its enlargement.
Calcarea Carb – For Enlarged Thyroid and Slow Metabolic Functions :The hallmark symptom of using Calcarea Carb in goiter is sluggishness of all body functions, fatigue, and slowness on the mental and physical plane are marked. There are other varying symptoms that guide use of Calcarea Carb as one of the top medicines for goiter, the first of which is obesity. A person who needs prescribing Calcarea Carb is someone who is overweight, has a slowed down metabolism, and has a thyroid gland that is enlarged but under
Spongia – For Goiter with Swollen, Enlarged Thyroid Gland :Spongia is one of the best medications for goiter when the thyroid gland is frequently enlarged and swollen, the chin also swells along with the thyroid gland, and applying pressure to the thyroid gland causes pain. Spongia is also one of the best medications for goiter when suffocative episodes occur from time to time. Patients with goiter can also effectively manage their dry, tickling cough with Spongia.
Natrum Mur – Constitutional Remedy for Goiter :If chosen based on specific constitutional symptoms, Natrum Mur holds great promise of recovery for those suffering from goiter. Natrum Mur works best in reserved, introverted personalities that are prone to depression, weeping spells, and feelings of loneliness. Irritability, restlessness, and nervousness are high among such subjects. Physically, they appear emaciated, with the neck showing maximum thinning.
Fucus Vesiculosus :In addition to being one of the most effective treatments for goiter of a non-toxic nature, Fucus Vesiculosus also produces excellent results in obese individuals with enlarged thyroid glands (goiter).
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