Goiter is a disease caused by enlargement of the thyroid glands in the front of the neck. Goiter can be caused by different reasons.
What is goiter?
Goiter is a disease that occurs in the thyroid glands. So what is the thyroid gland and what does it do? The thyroid gland is a gland located in the front part of the neck, which has a role in regulating metabolism and secreting growth hormones. The thyroid glands need the mineral iodine and in case of iodine deficiency, the thyroid glands grow abnormally and goiter occurs. Goiter can also be caused by too much or too little thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid glands. In goiter, nodules are formed by the enlargement of the thyroid glands.
What are the Causes of Goiter?
- The main cause of goiter is not consuming foods rich in iodine mineral (iodine deficiency).
Other causes are
- Genetic factors
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Consuming too much soybeans
- Smoking
- Anemia due to iron deficiency
- Excessive secretion of TSH hormone by the pituitary gland
- Pregnancy
It is among the causes of goiter disease.
What are the symptoms of goiter?
- Visible swelling in the throat area
- Feeling of pressure in the throat
- Cough
- Swallowing and dysphagia
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Pain and fever
It is among the symptoms of goiter. Sometimes goiter can progress without any symptoms.
How is Goiter Treatment?
Goiter is a disease that can be diagnosed by physical examination of specialists according to the size of the nodule. However, it is confirmed by blood tests, thyroid function tests and some scans performed on the patient in order to be sure of the goiter and to apply the right treatment. One of the important factors in the treatment of the disease is early diagnosis. The size of the nodule determines the treatment to be followed after diagnosis. In cases where the nodule is very large, surgical operation may be required. Surgical operation is a preferred treatment method when the patient's symptoms are very severe. However, in patients with early diagnosis, goiter is usually treated without the need for surgical operation. Another treatment method other than surgical operation is the use of medication. Goiter can be treated or its growth can be prevented with medication taken at the dose determined by the specialist.
