As a result of hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland quite often there is an impressive change in the volume of the neck. In this case we are talking about goiter.
Very quickly you can guess that there was a goiter of the thyroid gland - it's enough just to look at the neck. If its volume is increased, then it is worthwhile to think about the reasons for such changes. Most often, goitre of thyroid gland is manifested against the background of hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland, when the body lacks iodine. Among the most frequent reasons should be allocated excess or a lack of this substance.
Nodular goiter of the thyroid gland - what is it?
Nodules on the thyroid appear when there is not enough iodine. Such formations can accompany absolutely all diseases of the thyroid gland, and in fact it plays a very important role for the normal activity of the endocrine system. Purely because of the body's work, the body is limited from many infections, besides the bones remain permanently sturdy.
Against the backdrop of various internal and external factors, changes in thyroid function are possible, resulting in various ailments. The result of an impressive increase in the volume of this organ is the visible thickening of the tissues near the base of the neck. Normally, the size of the thyroid gland for men is 25 cubic centimeters, and for women - 19.
The main causes of goiter
The causes may be:
- hereditary diseases;
- stress;
- hormonal disorders;
- is not only a deficiency of iodine in the tissues of the body, but its excess can lead to goiter;
- autoimmune processes.
As a result of the inhibition of humoral immunity, special proteins appear in the blood, which contribute to the appearance of antibodies to hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Because of this, the function of this organ decreases, ultimately is possible the cancer of .
Symptoms and symptoms of
Symptoms with such a disease or not at all, or they are adjacent to other ailments. The main manifestation of the disease are the formations, nodes and cysts themselves. With their impressive size, it is possible that the patient will feel that the neck is squeezing something. Many are concerned only that their appearance is changed.
Symptoms of the disease in the diffusive-nodal form are the same as in thyrotoxicosis:
- it seems that the throat is full, it hurts. The
- is difficult to breathe.
- does not get to swallow normally, but it creates difficulties.
- the weight decreases.
- raises sweating.
- heart beats fast.
- person becomes aggressive, there is increased nervousness.
- is depressed.
- has memory problems. The
- patient is shivering.
- observed dry skin.
- discomfort in the digestive tract.
- constipation.
If you have these symptoms, you should always consult a doctor. After the examination, he will appoint an effective treatment. Self-medication should not be dealt with, otherwise health problems may occur.
At the initial stages of the disease, the symptoms are not pronounced. But with its development there is clearly a swelling of the anterior part of the neck - in the region of the Adam's apple. The result of the increase is that the gland transmits blood vessels. The same applies to nerves and trachea - they are located side by side. Further, the patient may have a feeling of heaviness in the head, dizziness. There is a cough, chances of suffocation are possible. The voice becomes hoarse, its timbre changes.
Degrees of disease
In 1994, the following classification was adopted, based on the degree of enlargement of the thyroid:
- 0 degree, when the thyroid gland is invisible - it can not be determined by palpation. At this stage it is simply impossible to determine the presence of goiter.
- 1 degree, when the thyroid gland is not visible, but it is already probed. At this stage, the functioning of this organ is possible.
- 2 degree, when the thyroid gland is visible during swallowing and is easily palpable. Difficulty swallowing, sore neck, head when tilted.
- 3rd degree - Against the backdrop of an enlarged thyroid , the contour of the neck becomes thick .The patient complains of hypotension, his appetite decreases and weight increases, tremors are observed.
- 4 degree - the goiter on the background of the increase impressively breaks the contour of the neck. Manifestations of symptoms of nodular goiter become quite impressive.
- 5 degree, when the thyroid gland reaches a very large size and squeezes the organs adjacent. Violated the work of all organs and systems.
In 2001, a new classification of the degree of goiter appeared. So, at zero degree, goitre is simply absent. At the first - it can not be seen, but it is determined by palpation, at the second degree it is clearly visible, it is easy to feel it with your fingers. For diagnosis, doctors use both classifications.
Species and characteristics
- Goiter and hypothyroidism - nodal toxic goiter. The function of the thyroid gland is reduced because of a shortage of iodine in the body.
- Goiter and hyperthyroidism - the thyroid function is increased.
- Goiter and euthyroidism - nodal nontoxic goiter. The level of secreted hormones is normal. It can be provoked during pregnancy.
Depending on the number of lesions of the thyroid gland, it should be noted:
- single node;
- multinodular goiter;
- is conglomerate.
Treatment
The classic method is a special diet.
For the therapy of multinodular goiter thyroid gland with hyperfunction, it is possible to carry out medical treatment. The following drugs are prescribed:
- Thyrot;
- Levothyroxine;
- Eutiroks.
Some types of goiter do not need to be treated at all. It is just necessary to observe the state of the thyroid gland and apply therapy only when there is a rapid growth of the nodes.
Perhaps conservative or surgical treatment of nodular goiter. In the first case, drugs are prescribed to suppress the excessive production of thyroid hormones. Also, a doctor can prescribe drugs that will fill the lack of iodine in the body.
Very often in the treatment of the disease, the method of administering thyroid medications with radioactive iodine is used. This procedure helps to reduce or completely lead to the disappearance of nodes. At the same time, the size of the thyroid gland is completely restored.
As for surgical treatment, in this case, an operation is performed to remove the nodes. With a malignant tumor, it is possible to remove part of the gland or the entire organ.
Therapy of knots by national methods
It is best to treat this ailment in several stages. At the first stage it is important to replenish the body with the necessary microelement - iodine. As a result, the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland will be ensured. If the body lacks iodine, then you should eat seafood - best of all in a boiled form, since during cooking, most of the nutrients are lost.
In addition, products of plant origin are useful. For example, beet is the leader in iodine content among all vegetables. In addition, algae and are useful. The same goes for broccoli and persimmons .The list will be incomplete if you do not add feijoa and walnuts .
Useful iodized or sea salt. In order to cope with goitre, you should eat the beet every morning on an empty stomach - from 100 to 150 grams will be enough.
The second stage involves the use of medicinal herbs. Prepare a useful and effective collection. For resorption of the nodes, it is necessary to mix 1 part of St. John's wort and nettle. A couple of st.l. This mixture is filled with half a glass of water. Then the composition should be held in a water bath for 20 minutes, then in a hot form strain. Use the broth should be half a glass three times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. Then a break of the same duration and again the course. A couple of such courses for the year are the optimal solution.
If symptoms appear, consult an endocrinologist immediately. The earlier the disease is identified, the easier it will be to fight it. Self-medication is unacceptable. Only after a conversation with a doctor can you draw conclusions - what, in what dosages and according to what scheme to take.
