Your body is a complex machine with countless moving parts, some of which you have heard of and others not so much. Among the lesser-known yet crucial components is the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck responsible for regulating various bodily functions.
However, thyroid issues are not uncommon, and one of the more visible manifestations—goiter—deserves a closer look. Whether you’re curious about your own health or starting to notice symptoms in a loved one, understanding goiter is a crucial first step toward managing thyroid health.
Let’s talk about what goiter is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.
What Exactly is a Goiter?
A goiter is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can cause a visible swelling at the front of your neck below the Adam’s apple.
Despite often being painless, a goiter can still cause a feeling of fullness in the throat, coughing, or difficulty swallowing and breathing if it grows exceptionally large.
What Causes a Goiter to Develop?
Goiter is a condition that can arise from various causes, each affecting the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones in its own way. Understanding these causes is crucial in both preventing and treating goiters effectively.
Here’s a deeper look into the primary factors that contribute to the development of goiter:
Iodine Deficiency
At the heart of many goiter cases, especially on a global scale, lies iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones. When iodine intake is insufficient, the thyroid attempts to compensate by growing larger and producing more cells, which can lead to the formation of a goiter.
Although iodine deficiency is less common in the United States, thanks to iodized salt and iodine-rich foods like seafood and dairy products, it remains the leading cause of goiters worldwide.
It’s important to note that while iodine supplementation can help prevent iodine deficiency, it’s not generally recommended for everyone and may have adverse effects if not properly managed.
Autoimmune Diseases
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to enlarge and overproduce thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). This condition not only contributes to the development of a goiter but also requires medical intervention to manage the excess hormone levels.
Hashimoto’s Disease
Another autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s disease, leads to inflammation of the thyroid gland. In some cases, this inflammation prompts the thyroid to increase in size as a compensatory mechanism.
While goiters caused by Hashimoto’s disease may improve over time without treatment, some individuals may require thyroid hormone therapy.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone that can trigger the thyroid gland to grow. This type of goiter is usually temporary and resolves after pregnancy.
Thyroiditis
Inflammation of the thyroid gland, or thyroiditis, can occur for various reasons and lead to enlargement of the thyroid. The inflammation may result from autoimmune diseases, infections, or other conditions affecting the thyroid.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a less common cause of goiter, but when cancerous cells grow within the thyroid, they can cause the gland to enlarge. Detecting and treating thyroid cancer early is crucial for a positive outcome.
It’s important to note that some goiters develop without a clear cause, known as sporadic goiters. Certain medications, like lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder and other conditions, can contribute to the development of these types of goiters.
Symptoms of Goiters
While some goiters are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages, larger goiters can lead to symptoms such as:
- A visible swelling at the base of the neck
- A tight feeling in the throat
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Treatment Options
Treatment for a goiter depends on its size, the symptoms it’s causing, and the underlying cause. Options may include:
Observation
If the goiter is small and not causing any symptoms, a provider may choose to monitor it over time without immediate treatment simply.
Medication
For goiters caused by thyroid hormone imbalances, medication can help. For example, thyroid hormone replacement therapy can treat hypothyroidism, while medications to reduce thyroid hormone production or block its action may be used for hyperthyroidism.
Iodine Supplementation
For goiters due to iodine deficiency, adding iodine to the diet can reduce the size of the gland.
Surgery
In cases where the goiter is severe and causes symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing, surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid may be necessary.
Thyroid Problems Goiter in Oviedo, FL
Goiters are a common thyroid issue that can range from being a minor inconvenience to causing significant discomfort or indicating a more serious health problem.
If you notice any swelling in your neck or experience symptoms like coughing, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, see our family nurse practitioner Dr. Adriel Perez, DNP, APRN, FNP-C at the Diabetes & Weight Loss Center for evaluation. Our family nurse practitioner performs a comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying cause of thyroid problems like goiter and develop a personalized treatment plan.
For more information about thyroid problems goiter, contact us today at (407) 890-1876, or request your appointment using our online form. We look forward to serving you!
