What is Goiter?

Goiter is the unusual swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland. It occurs when there is a noticeable irregular growth of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is known for its butterfly shape. The gland is located in the human neck, around the “Adam’s apple” site. It is responsible for the secretion of hormones known as thyroxine and triodothyronine.

These hormones contribute immensely to the metabolic process of the body. They help in the digestion and the conversion of food in the body into energy. They also play important roles in the regulation of body temperature, healthy childhood growth, and regulation of pulse and heart rate. When the thyroid gland begins to enlarge and swell, it may begin to malfunction, thereby causing some parts of the body to suffer.

Surprising Facts About Goiter

Various factors cause this condition. However, the most prominent cause of Goiter is iron deficiency. Studies showed that people with severe iron deficiency have over a 30% chance of suffering from Goiter, while those with moderate and mild iron deficiency have 30% and 20%, respectively. In other words, the higher your iron deficiency is, the higher your chances of having Goiter.

Another cause of Goiter could be the fluctuation of the thyroid hormone. Depending on the cause, growth, and symptom of Goiter, it may not require treatment. It may only require close monitoring and simple dietary changes to correct it. However, in the case of severe Goiter, treatment is advised.

According to research, about 2.2 billion people worldwide are suffering from Goiter. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are 2 terms that are commonly used when describing Goiter. These terms are used to explain the condition of the Goiter better. The former indicates that the thyroid gland is less active than it should be and does not secret enough hormones for bodily functions, while the latter indicates the thyroid gland ate overactive.

Types of Goiter

There are 3 types of Goiter, namely;

• Simple: This is characterized by the general or overall swelling of the thyroid gland. It is usually smooth when you run your fingers over it.
• Nodular: It is characterized by a lump in the neck area, and this lump is usually filled with fluid.
• Multinodular: Just like the nodular, the multinodular type of Goiter is also a lump filled with fluid. However, unlike the nodular Goiter, the lump here is more than 1.

In addition to these, Goiter can be classified into toxic and non-toxic. The former causes an enlargement of the thyroid gland with too much of the thyroid hormone and always requires medical attention, while the latter may or may not require medical attention. While the latter also causes the thyroid gland to swell but maintains the normal secretion of the thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of Goiter

The first and most common symptom of Goiter is the obvious swelling in the neck. The following are other symptoms of Goiter;

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Increased cold sensitivity
• Impinged voice box
• Cognitive issues like confusion and lack of concentration
• Weight loss
• Excess sweating
• Tachycardia
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• High blood pressure
• Menstrual irregularities
• Increased appetite
• Increased bowel movement
• Snoring
• Rapid growth in height (for children with hyperthyroidism)

Causes of Goiter

When the thyroid hormone level in the body drops due to one factor or the other, the pituitary gland signals to the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. To force itself to produce more hormones, the thyroid gland begins to swell. Some of the factors that can cause a severe drop in the thyroid hormone levels in the body include;

• Iodine deficiency: This is the most noticeable cause of Goiter.
• Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune health condition caused by a confused immune system that attacks or fights healthy cells and tissues in the body.
• Graves disease: This is also caused by the immune system malfunctioning. However, rather than attacking healthy cells and tissues, the immune system duplicates a protein known as TSH. In this case, rather than dropping the thyroid hormone levels in the body as other factors do, the protein duplicate causes the thyroid gland to secret more hormones than normal, thereby causing Goiter.
• Thyroid nodules: it is usually a lump filled with fluid.
• Thyroid cancer is a progression (in 5% of cases) of the thyroid nodule.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is popular for tampering with hormones, causing them to rise and fall. During pregnancy, the thyroid gland may be a bit overactive and swollen. However, this wears off on its own after pregnancy.
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland originating from viral or bacterial infection can also trigger Goiter.

Other causes of Goiter include:

• Smoking
• Excess iodine levels in the body
• Some medications like heart and psychiatry medications
• Radiation therapy

Risk Factors of Goiter

Gender: According to research, women have 4 times more chances of developing Goiter, especially during pregnancy and when they are in their premenopausal and menopausal ages. This results from the fluctuation of hormones at these stages of their lives.

• Iodine deficiency
• Age: People aged 40 and above are more exposed to the risk of Goiter than people below 40.
• Obesity and overweight
• Metabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance
• Family history
• Radiation therapy
• Some medications like psychiatry and heart medications

Complications of Goiter

When a goiter is left unattended, it can impinge on the voice and obstruct the passage of air in the airways. This is why you should visit the hospital first when you notice the symptoms of Goiter. This will help you determine if it is toxic or not or if it should be medically treated, surgically removed, or monitored to wear off on its own.

Preventing Goiter

The most accepted way to prevent Goiter is by consuming foods that are rich in iodine. Moderate dietary iodine is enough to keep the Goiter away from you. Although, other factors like health conditions, pregnancy, or family history can also trigger Goiter. However, consuming dietary iodine can help reduce your chances, even if exposed to these risk factors. In addition, eat plenty of dairy products and fish. It is best to stick to dietary sources of iodine, as studies have shown that iodine supplements are not advisable.

Treatment for Goiter

Treating a goiter depends on many factors, ranging from the cause of the Goiter to the severity, the symptoms, and underlying health conditions. One or more of the following methods can be adopted in the treatment of Goiter.

Medications

In cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, drugs can be administered to stop the swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland, thereby shrinking the Goiter. In addition, more medications can be administered to treat viral or bacterial infections that may trigger the inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Radioactive Iodine (RAI)

Radioactive iodine eliminates the overactive thyroid tissues. It is usually administered orally and centers its operation on regulating the thyroid gland and the hormones it secrets.

Surgery

Surgical removal is advised when the Goiter grows too big or does not respond to medication treatment methods. The surgical removal of the thyroid gland is medically known as a thyroidectomy.

Home Remedies/Care

Some cases of Goiter may not require any of the above-mentioned treatment methods. This is because they are mild and can be managed with natural remedies. These natural or home remedies have proven to be effective in shrinking Goiter.

Nonetheless, it is best to visit a doctor first to confirm the status or condition of your Goiter, as it is dangerous to assume that your Goiter is mild and can easily be treated at home. It is also essential to know that despite using natural remedies for your mild Goiter, you must constantly visit the hospital to have your Goiter checked.

You can adopt one or more (but not more than 3) of the following Natural methods for treating mild Goiter.

• Engage in neck exercises
• Drink apple cider vinegar
• Apply bentonite clay to the swollen area of the neck
• Apply coconut oil to your neck
• Drink ashwagandha herb
• Apply castor oil to your neck
• Drink natural fruit juices like pineapple and lemon juice
• Drink moringa herb
• Add garlic and turmeric to all your diet in moderate amounts
• Eat more seeds and nuts
• Drink lemon balm tea
• Take fish oil supplements
• Drink dandelion tea

Conclusion

Goiter is the abnormal growth and secretion of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones. It is caused by various factors, of which iodine deficiency is the most common. According to research, over 2 billion people in the world are suffering from Goiter. Goiter can be treated either with medications, surgery, radioactive iodine, or natural or home care.