Goitre: Clinical Aspects
July 3, 2009
Goitre is a clinical condition in which the thyroid gland enlarges and can easily be seen. If the thyroid gland makes too much or too little of thyroxine hormone, this indicates the presence of goitre.
Causes
It is said that the most common reason for goitre is the deficiency of iodine. Thyroid gland needs iodine to manufacture the hormones. If the body does not consume enough iodine then the thyroid gland produces more of hormones and enlarges or gets swelled.
Another cause is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in which the thyroid gland gets destroyed by one’s own immune system. As the gland is destroyed, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and hence it grows in size.
There is other cause of goitre that is Grave’s disease. In this condition, a hormone called TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) stimulates the thyroid gland to enlarge and cause goitre.
Another form is multi-nodular goitre in which the nodules linked to the thyroid gland get swelled and cause thyroid enlargement.
Signs and Symptoms
Most common sign of goitre is the appearance of a visible swelling in the neck region. Person feels depressed and has difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Other symptoms can be constipation, sleepiness, lethargy, tiredness, pain in the neck if the goiter is swelled, increased menstrual flow in woman, high cholesterol and sore throat.
Diagnosis of Goitre
Physical examination and the checking the thyroid levels in the blood can confirm the diagnosis of the condition.
When the thyroid gland gets enlarged and you are hyperthyroid, certain tests help to diagnose Graves’ disease. In case of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis; you may have to get additional blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Other tests include radioactive iodine scan, thyroid ultrasound or fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment of thyroid depends on its cause. If it is due to iodine deficiency then iodine is to be added in your daily diet. All the seafood contains iodine and the vegetables and fruits that grow in soils with sufficient levels of iodine; are to be included in the diet. If the cause is different then the treat is symptomatic.
Proper and timely treatment can save you from developing dangerous complications such as thyroid cancer.
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