| Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland | | | | “This disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most |
| characterized by swelling on the front and sides of the | | | | common cause of an overactive thyroid |
| neck. Two types are simple and exophthalmic goiter. | | | | (hyperthyroidism). In Graves' disease, antibodies |
| Simple goiter has largely been eliminated thanks to the | | | | produced by your immune system stimulate the thyroid |
| use of iodized salt. It is common in women, especially in | | | | to produce too much thyroxine. Normally, your immune |
| areas away from the sea or mountainous regions | | | | system uses antibodies to help protect against viruses, |
| where there is lack of iodine. | | | | bacteria and other foreign substances that invade the |
| “The possible causes are numerous. In the past, the | | | | body. In Graves' disease, antibodies mistakenly attack |
| most common cause of goiter was a shortage of | | | | your thyroid gland and occasionally the tissue behind |
| iodine in the diet in areas where the soil was deficient | | | | your eyes and the skin of your lower legs. The |
| in iodine. Without enough dietary iodine, your thyroid | | | | overstimulation of your thyroid in Graves' disease |
| can't make and release enough of the two essential | | | | results in uniform and nonpainful swelling of the |
| iodine-containing hormones. Goiter became rare in the | | | | gland,” said the Mayo Clinic. |
| United States after iodized salt was introduced. In | | | | Small doses of iodine may offer temporary relief and |
| some parts of the world, however, goiter is still | | | | are usually given in preparation for thyroid surgery. |
| common because of iodine deficiency,” revealed | | | | Certain drugs may correct thyroid gland overactivity. |
| the Mayo Clinic. | | | | Whether or not you need surgery depends on the kind |
| Symptoms are gradual enlargement of the thyroid | | | | of goiter you have. If the thyroid gland continues to |
| gland, coughing, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. | | | | enlarge despite the use of antithyroid drugs or |
| Simple goiter can be prevented by eating sea foods. If | | | | radioactive iodine, an operation may be necessary. |
| there is swelling in the neck, the doctor may administer | | | | The same is true if the goiter compresses the trachea |
| thyroid hormones to correct this condition. | | | | (windpipe), causes persistent hoarseness and one or |
| Exophthalmic goiter or Graves’ disease is caused | | | | more isolated lumps are present. |
| by the overactivity of the thyroid gland. It is | | | | Surgery is also performed if the doctor thinks the |
| characterized by swelling in the back, bulging eyes, | | | | growth is malignant or cancerous. Untreated, |
| nervousness, rapid pulse, excessive appetite, weight | | | | complications of exophthalmic goiter include heart |
| loss, fatigue and a fine tremor of outstretched fingers. | | | | failure and thyroid crisis, a sudden onset of symptoms |
| It is not know why the thyroid gland becomes | | | | following neck injury or a thyroid operation. |
| overactive but the disease appears to run in families. | | | | |