A goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below your Adam’s apple.

 

Although goitres are usually painless, a large goitre can cause a cough and make it difficult for you to swallow or breathe.

 

The most common cause of goitres worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. Also, not all goitres cause signs and symptoms. When signs and symptoms do occur they may include:

 

• A swelling at the base of your neck that may be particularly obvious when you shave or put on makeup.

 

 

• A tight feeling in the throat.

 

• Coughing.

 

• Hoarseness.

 

• Difficulty swallowing.

 

• Difficulty breathing

Causes

— Iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is the major cause of goitre worldwide, but this is rarely a cause in more economically developed countries where iodine is routinely added to salt.

Dietary iodine is found in:

• Seafood.
• plant food that is is grown in iodine-rich soil.
• Cow’s milk.

— Autoimmune disease

The main cause of goitre in developed countries is an autoimmune disease. Women over the age of 40 are at greater risk of goitre, as are people with a family history of the condition.

 

— Hypothyroidism

This is the result of an underactive thyroid gland, and this causes goitre. Because the gland produces too little thyroid hormone, it is stimulated to produce more, leading to the swelling.

 

This usually results from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue and causes inflammation of the thyroid gland.

 

— Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland, is another cause of goitre, whereby too much thyroid hormone is produced.

 

This usually happens as a result of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immunity turns on

itself and attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to swell.

Other causes of Goitre includes

• Smoking: Thiocyanate in tobacco smoke interferes with iodine absorption.

 

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can affect thyroid function.

 

• Thyroiditis: Inflammation caused by infection, for example, can lead to goitre.

 

• Lithium: This psychiatric drug can interfere with thyroid function.

 

• Overconsumption of iodine: Too much iodine can cause a goitre.

 

• Radiation therapy: This can trigger a swollen thyroid, particularly when administered to the neck.

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Diagnosis Methods

The diagnosis of goitre can be made by physically examining the neck to determine the degree of gland enlargement.

However, the doctor may also conduct other tests to uncover possible underlying problems with your thyroid function.

These tests include:

• Blood tests to measure your levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

 

• An antibody test to confirm the presence of antibodies in the blood.

 

• Ultrasound scans to assess the thyroid gland and size of the goitre

Treatment

Most cases of goitre can be treated with an adequate intake of iodine. However, depending on the size, symptoms, and cause of the enlargement, your doctor may also suggest other forms of treatment.

Treatment options include:

• Observation: Adopting a wait-and-see approach, which usually occurs if the goitre is small.

 

• Medication: If the person has hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) will be necessary to correct the deficiency.

 

• Surgery: In cases where the goitre is large and causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing, removal of the entire or part of the thyroid gland is recommended

 

Always watch out for any swelling around your neck and see your doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis.

 

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