– What is the meaning of a thyroid goiter?
– The basic treatments for goiters.
A goiter refers to an enlargement of the front and the sides of the neck. This enlargement is often due to an inflammation of the thyroid gland.
So, when there is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, thyroid goiter will occur. The thyroid can become very large so that it can easily be seen as a mass in the neck.
If an individual will develop a goiter, the most common and easily recognized sign is that there will be a lump in the neck and this lump is usually mild ar small.
There are a number of factors that may cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Some of the causes of thyroid goiter include the following;
1. Goiter can occur due to iodine deficiency in the diet. Iodine deficiency happens to be the major cause of goiter worldwide, yo can get iodine from foods such as seafood, plant food grown in iodine-rich soil, cow’s milk, etc.
However, it is important to note that overconsumption of iodine, that is, too much iodine can also cause a goiter.
2. Also, when there is an overactive thyroid gland, thyroid goiter can occur, this means when there is the production of too much thyroid hormone, we can as well refer to this as hyperthyroidism.
3. When there is a deficiency in the immune system, goiter can occur, when an individual has an autoimmune disease, he or she might develop it.
4. Smoking is another major cause.
5. There can also be an inflammation of the thyroid gland which may be caused by an infection (thyroiditis).
6. Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid gland, and this also causes goiter.
Treatments of thyroid goiter depend on the size of the goiter, your symptoms, and the underlying cause. The major ways of treating it are;
- Taking medication.
Treatments for thyroid goiter. - Radioactive iodine to decrease thyroid function in the case of hyperthyroidism.
- Goiter surgery to reduce the size and the swelling of the neck, and other forms of treatments.
