Severe swelling in the neck can indicate a change in the thyroid tissue.
An enlarged butterfly organ can have fatal consequences.
Munich – The thyroid is a vital organ that is involved in many metabolic processes in the body.
If it doesn't work optimally, unpleasant symptoms can result.
But often those affected cannot correctly classify the diffuse symptoms such as exhaustion, hair loss or weight gain.
This is how it happens that diseases of the thyroid go undetected for a long time.
Not so with an enlarged thyroid gland, also known as a goiter (goiter).
Thyroid abnormally enlarged: cough and hoarseness as symptoms
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If the thyroid gland is abnormally enlarged, this is manifested by various symptoms.
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© Sorapop/IMAGO
About 33 out of 100 people in Germany have goiter.
Women are also four to five times more likely to be affected than men.
A goiter is easy to recognize externally, those affected usually suffer from a thick swelling of the neck.
If the goiter is also detected early, the disease is easily treatable.
That's why it's so important to recognize signs early that indicate a possible enlargement of the thyroid gland.
If a goiter is not treated, it can even lead to thyroid cancer in the worst case.
Typical symptoms of swelling of the thyroid are:
tightness in the throat
Cough
hoarseness
difficulties swallowing
breathing problems
If you also have an underactive or overactive thyroid, there may be a risk of further symptoms, depending on the situation.
In the case of hyperfunction, for example, these are unwanted weight loss, inner restlessness, irritability and sleep disorders.
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Thyroid: These symptoms indicate that it is abnormally enlarged
According to experts, the most common reason for an enlarged thyroid gland is a pronounced iodine deficiency, which is widespread in Germany due to the low-iodine soil.
As a result, the cells of the thyroid gland multiply.
The pituitary gland in the brain also releases more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate thyroid hormone production.
The result: Tissue proliferation occurs, as reported by the medical portal "internisten-im-netz.de".
Other causes of goiter are:
Autoimmune diseases such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hormone fluctuations (e.g. during pregnancy, menopause or puberty)
Malignant tumor in the thyroid gland
Medicines such as antithyroid drugs (against hyperthyroidism)
Bleeding after thyroid injury
Cysts in the thyroid
Ineffective thyroid hormones (hormone resistance)
Altered thyroid enzymes
Acromegaly (body produces too much growth hormone)
Enlargement due to TSH-like substances (which are formed concomitantly with other tumors)
Thyroid autonomy (autonomous thyroid tissue)
Thyroid: These symptoms indicate that it is abnormally enlarged
If you suspect an enlarged thyroid gland, you should have this clarified by an internist or endocrinologist.
This is followed by a physical examination.
Some blood tests, thyroid ultrasounds, and antibody tests are also done to see what the cause is and to start the appropriate treatment.
In some cases, CT or MRI scans and possibly a biopsy of the thyroid are needed.
Finally, therapy tries to relieve symptoms, normalize the production of thyroid hormones and prevent the risk of thyroid cancer.
This can be done by taking iodine, medication or, in extreme cases, by means of an operation.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
Rubric list image: © Sorapop/IMAGO
