Just In
- 2 hrs ago Summer Fashion: 7 Trendy Office Outfit Ideas To Beat The Heat In Style
- 3 hrs ago Good Friday 2024 Date: Why Are Chruch Bells Not Rung On Good Friday?
- 3 hrs ago What Is iPhone Finger? Here's Why You Need To Worry About Its Negative Effects
- 7 hrs ago Meet Rumy Alqahtani: Saudi Arabia's First Miss Universe Contestant And Her Style Statements
Don't Miss
- Sports SRH vs MI, IPL 2024 Sixes List: Total Sixes, Complete List of Six Hitters as Match Produces Highest Sixes in a T20 Match in History
- News Data Recorder Of Crashed Cargo Ship With Indian Crew Recovered By US Team
- Movies Heeramandi OTT Release Date Announced: Here’s When & Where To Watch Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Show
- Finance Gold Prices In India, 24-Carat Rises By Rs 4,090 In Month: What Is Trigging Rise In Yellow Metal?
- Automobiles Citroen Basalt SUV Revealed In India – Launch Details & More
- Education IGNOU June TEE 2024 registration schedule out; Check out for more details
- Travel Explore Tamil Nadu's Diverse Wedding Venues
- Technology Poco F6 Leaks Surface: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 50MP Sony Sensor, OLED Display, & More – Check Price, Full Specs
Thyromegaly: Everything You Need To Know
A condition wherein the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck turns abnormally large is known as thyromegaly. We commonly refer to this condition as goitre. Although the major reason behind it is insufficient iodine, there could be other causes associated with its occurrence as well. Roughly, one-third of the world's population suffers from a low iodine intake.
The severity of the situation is high in case of people who live far away from the ocean areas (or at higher elevations) as it has been found that such people do not get enough iodine intake through their diet. When the thyroid gland can't make enough hormone, it enlarges in order to compensate.
What Is Thyromegaly?
When a person has goitre, the enlarged, swollen gland is quite visible from the outside of the neck. A person with this condition finds it difficult to swallow and breathe. In case the condition is left untreated, it can cause serious harm wherein the thyroid gland can turn highly ineffective and stop making thyroid hormone at all or making too much of it leading to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respectively.
Most Read : Super Foods For A Slim Waist
Different types of thyromegaly
Based on the thyroid's functionality, size and growth pattern, the different types of thyromegaly are:
- Euthyroid - Swelling does not affect the normal functioning of the gland
- Hyperthyroidism - Thyroid gland becomes overactive
- Hypothyroidism - Thyroid produces less than the normal amounts of thyroid hormone
- Diffuse goitre - Enlargement of the gland is due to hyperplasia
- Nodular goitre - Raised areas of tissues within the thyroid causing swelling
- Cystic goitre - Thyroid nodules filled with fluid
- Class 1 - Swelling normally not externally visible
- Class 2 - Swelling can be seen and felt
- Class 3 - Swelling is large and extends towards the sternum
What Are The Causes Of Thyromegaly?
The primary causes of this condition are:
- Iodine deficiency: The prime contributor to the production of T4 and T3 hormones is iodine. When thyroid cannot make enough hormone, as a compensation, it enlarges.
- Graves' disease: This is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. In a course of events, the thyroid begins to overstimulate and produce excess hormones.
- Hashimoto's disease: This is an autoimmune disorder. Thyroid gland is damaged and is unable to produce enough hormone.
- Nodules: This happens when the fluid-filled nodules grow on the gland and make the gland large.
- Inflammation: Inflammation of the gland is called thyroiditis. It can be caused due to an infection, radiation therapy or medication.
What Are The Early Signs And Symptoms?
The primary symptom is an enlarged thyroid gland. It might be visible externally from the outside of the neck. Due to the pressure of the enlarged area, the following symptoms might occur:
- Coughing
- Tightness in the neck
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Stiff joints
- Weakness
- Dry hair and skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Brittle hair
- Increased appetite
- Irregular heartbeat
How Is Thyromegaly Diagnosed?
A physical examination of the neck can help a doctor diagnose the presence of thyromegaly. The routine physical examination would involve the doctor feeling around the neck and would ask you to swallow. The underlying cause might need to be identified in case an enlarged gland is found.
The following may be done to diagnose the underlying cause:
- Thyroid hormone tests: This involves measuring the amount of TSH and T4 through a blood test.
- Ultrasound: This would create an image of the thyroid gland to help the doctor assess the condition.
- Thyroid scan: A radioactive isotope is injected in a vein located on the inside of your elbow. This produces an image of the thyroid on a computer screen which the doctor can assess.
- Biopsy: A sample of the tissue from the thyroid is taken using a fine needle and sent to the laboratory for tests.
- Antibody tests can also help the doctor assess your thyromegaly condition.
Most Read :Weirdest Fetish People Have In This World!
What Are The Treatment Options?
The symptoms of thyromegaly are treated and it ideally depends on the underlying cause.
- Due to iodine deficiency: Small doses of iodine can help in shrinking the thyroid gland.
- Due to Hashimoto's disease: This is usually treated using synthetic thyroid hormone replacement.
- Due to Graves' disease: Medication would help lower the production of thyroid hormones.
- During pregnancy: Thyromegaly during pregnancy can cause issues such as premature birth and low birth weight. Pregnant women are prescribed medication to treat an overactive thyroid gland. Radioiodine therapy is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Due to nodules: Nodules that are not cancerous are not treated, however, one would require close monitoring over the years. Synthetic thyroid hormones are prescribed in case the nodule overproduces thyroid hormones.
- Due to inflammation: Mild anti-inflammatory medicines can help in reducing pain. Oral steroids might be prescribed in case the swelling is severe.
- healthWaking Up With A Dry Throat At Night? Know What Causes This Serious Condition
- wellness10 Simple Home Remedies for Laryngitis (Hoarse Voice): Number Six Is The Simplest
- wellnessGum Disease Can Cause This Serious Health Issue, Check It Out!
- wellnessReasons Why You Shouldn't Quit Your 'Chewing Gum' Habit
- wellnessCan Oral Intercourse Increase The Risk Of Throat Cancer?
- newsThroat Bacteria Could Be A Sign Of Deadly Joint Infection In Kids - Study
- news11 Diphtheria Cases Reported From Raichur; Major Causes & Symptoms Of Diphtheria
- wellnessThroat Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
- disorders cureAyurvedic Tips On How To Get Rid Of Phlegm In The Throat Naturally
- disorders cureNatural Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Strep Throat Infection Quickly
- disorders cureThese Essential Oils Help Cure Sore Throat In Just A Few Minutes
- wellnessWill You Die If You Swallow A Fish Bone?