I recently saw a woman with goiter condition, and thought to talk about it.
What is goiter?
A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, the butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck.
The thyroid is in charge of body metabolism, regulation of temperature, mood and digestion.
It does this by releasing two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
What causes it?
The most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency, affecting an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide.
Iodine is an essential nutrient used to produce thyroid hormones, and it must be gotten externally.
Other causes include;
- Hyperthyroidism; Over active thyroid
- Hypothyroidism; Under active thyroid
- Thyroid nodules; Lumps in the thyroid
- Thyroid cancer
- Pregnancy
- Some medications and environmental factors.
What are its symptoms?
- Visible swelling in the neck area
- Feeling of tightness in your throat
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Rapid heartbeat or extreme tiredness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness of voice
- Swelling of the neck vein
Who does it affect?
Anyone can have a goiter, but women are four times more likely to develop it, compared to men.
It’s also common in people who are;
- Obese
- Insulin resistant
- Have metabolic syndrome.
Why is it more common in women?
It is more common due to a higher risk of iodine deficiency, and hormonal fluctuations.
Some reasons include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth: There is an increased demand for thyroid hormone during pregnancy, which can lead to goiter, if not met.
- Autoimmune conditions: Women are more likely to develop conditions like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which can lead to goiter.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone affects thyroid function, increasing susceptibility to thyroid disorders.
How is goiter diagnosed?
Goiter can be diagnosed by a doctor using physical examination to assess size and consistency.
Other tests that can be carried out include:
- Thyroid function tests
- Ultrasound imaging
- Biopsy
- Test for iodine levels
Can goiter be treated?
Yes, goiter can be treated. Sometimes they go away on their own, and watchful waiting is recommended especially for smaller ones.
However, large goiters can be treated with;
- Medications
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery in severe cases
Iodine supplementation is also important for those with iodine deficient goiters.
How is goiter enlargement prevented?
You can prevent goiter by taking sufficient iodine daily.
Recommended daily intake;
For children: 120 micrograms daily
For adults: 150 micrograms daily
For pregnant women: 220-250 micrograms daily
Sources of iodine;
- Sea food
- Egg yolks
- Milk and yogurt
- Iodized salt
- Potatoes
- Spinach
Other ways of prevention include;
- Avoiding excess raw vegetables like cabbage and broccoli
- Going for regular thyroid screenings
When do you meet a doctor?
Meet with a doctor if you notice symptoms like swelling and inflammation or experience persistent pain while swallowing.
By Pharm.Oluoma @zizelle_
