Goitre
Goitre is swelling in the thyroid gland.
Signs and Symptoms of Goitre
- In many of cases there are no symptoms other than the appearance of large swelling in the neck. The size of a goitre can range from very small to very large.
- Breathing problems may occur - if the goitre is large enough and presses on the windpipe.
- Swallowing problems may also occur - if the goitre is large enough to press on the esophagus.
- Feeling tired and sleeping excessively.
- Depression and problems with memory and concentration may also occur.
- Poor Memory and Concentration.
- Deteriorating or slowing growth rate.
- The suffering person may have a croaky or hoarse voice.
- Delayed as well as precocious sexual development
- Girls suffering from goitre may suffer from increased menstrual flow.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Exercise of neck is useful in this condition.
- Sour and heavy foods are contraindicated.
Advice from your physician
- Treatment may not be necessary if the goitre is small.
- Hypothyroidism should be treated, and this treatment often leads to a substantial reduction in the size of the goitre.
- Removal of the goitre may be necessary if it causes difficulty with breathing or swallowing. This requires removing the thyroid. The complete removal of the thyroid gland removes the body’s ability to produce thyroid hormone. In this case, oral thyroxine supplements are necessary to avoid harm from hypothyroidism.
- An alternative to surgery is radioiodine therapy with or without the pre-injection of a synthetic thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH, which can relieve obstruction and reduce the size of the goitre by 30–65%.
Written by Healthplus24 team
Date last Modified: Aug 26, 2011