Goiter is diagnosed by the doctor evaluating thyroid functions using physical examination, blood tests and imaging methods. Treatment may vary depending on the cause and symptoms of goiter. Goiter caused by iodine deficiency can be corrected by using iodine supplements or iodized salt. Goiter, which occurs due to hormone imbalance, can be regulated with thyroid hormone medications. If there are large nodules or bothersome symptoms, surgery may be necessary.
What is goiter?
Goiter is a term that refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck and produces important hormones that regulate metabolism in the body. Goiter occurs as a result of overgrowth of the thyroid gland. Goiter usually develops due to imbalances in the hormone production of the thyroid gland. This condition may occur if the thyroid gland produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or insufficient hormone (hypothyroidism). Additionally, causes of goiter may include iodine deficiency, autoimmune thyroid diseases, genetic factors and nodules in the thyroid gland.
What causes goiter?
Goiter is a condition that occurs as a result of abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Goiter may develop due to overactivity or underactivity of the thyroid gland. Iodine is an essential element in the production of thyroid hormones. In case of iodine deficiency, goiter may develop due to the thyroid gland working more than normal. This condition is especially common in areas with low iodine content.
Autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, can cause the body to attack its own thyroid cells. In this case, the functions of the thyroid gland may be affected and goiter may occur. Nodules in the thyroid gland can cause goiter. These nodules can affect hormone production, causing the thyroid to become larger than normal. In case of inflammation of the thyroid, it can cause enlargement of the thyroid gland and goiter. Viral or bacterial infections can trigger thyroiditis. Goiter symptoms may be as follows:
- swelling in the neck
- Shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness
- Palpitations and fast heartbeat
- excessive sweating
- intolerance to heat
- Weight loss/weight gain
Goiter symptoms often vary depending on the cause of goiter. If symptoms of goiter are noticed or there are doubts about it, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and have the necessary examinations.
What is good for goiter?
Goiter has many causes. The most common cause is iodine deficiency. Iodine is a mineral necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Other causes include autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and genetic factors. Goiter usually does not cause any symptoms. Goiter treatment varies depending on its cause. For goiter due to iodine deficiency, iodine supplements can be given. For goiter due to autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive drugs can be given. For goiter caused by some medications, the medication dose may be reduced or a different medication may be switched. Goiter due to genetic factors usually does not require treatment. For the question of what is good for goiter at home, here are some natural methods that are good for goiter at home:
- Consume iodine rich foods. Iodine is a mineral necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Foods high in iodine include seafood, iodized salt, dairy products and eggs.
- Reduce stress. Stress can increase the risk of goiter. You can try techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress.
- Eat healthy. Eating a balanced, healthy diet can help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of goiter.
- Consume seaweed twice a week. Seaweed is a food rich in iodine.
- Drink a glass of warm lemon water on an empty stomach in the morning. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation caused by goiter.
- Consume ginger tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation and damage caused by goiter.
- Take fish oil supplements. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of goiter.
How does goiter pass?
Treatment of goiter varies depending on the underlying causes. Various treatment options are available to relieve or eliminate the symptoms and severity of goiter. Commonly used methods in the treatment of goiter:
- If the cause of goiter is iodine deficiency, iodine supplements recommended by the doctor can be used. Iodine is an essential element in the production of thyroid hormones.
- Iodized salt can be used to meet daily iodine needs. This may help prevent goiter, which occurs due to iodine deficiency.
- Thyroid hormone medications can help regulate the normal functions of the thyroid gland. These medications work to control the symptoms of goiter by normalizing thyroid hormone levels.
- Anti-thyroid medications may be used in cases where goiter is triggered by an autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Graves’ disease. These medications work by reducing thyroid hormone production and controlling the autoimmune reaction.
- Radioactive iodine can reduce overgrown thyroid tissue by targeting thyroid cells. This treatment targets overactive thyroid cells, which are the cause of goiter.
- Surgical intervention may be required for large goiters or cases that do not respond to other treatments. Surgery is the process of removing part or all of the thyroid gland.
Goiter treatment is usually managed by an endocrinologist or thyroid specialist. The treatment plan is individualized depending on the cause of goiter, its symptoms, and the patient’s general health condition. Regular follow-up examinations and blood tests are also important during the treatment process.
Is garlic good for goiter?
Garlic may be good for goiter. Garlic has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties may help reduce inflammation, infection, and damage caused by goiter. Garlic is also rich in iodine. Iodine is a mineral necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is one of the most common causes of goiter. Garlic can help correct iodine deficiency.
To use garlic as a natural remedy for goiter, you can consume 2-3 cloves of garlic a day. You can consume garlic raw or add it to your meals. However, keep in mind that garlic may have some side effects. Garlic may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Also, it may interact with some medications. If you have goiter, it is important to consult your doctor before using garlic.
Does goiter go away on its own?
Spontaneous resolution of goiter depends on the cause of goiter. Goiter due to iodine deficiency usually goes away on its own. When iodine deficiency is corrected, the thyroid gland returns to its normal size. Goiter due to autoimmune diseases usually does not go away on its own. For this type of goiter, immunosuppressive drugs or radioactive iodine treatment may be applied. Goiter due to some medications may resolve spontaneously by reducing the medication dose or switching to a different medication. Goiter due to genetic factors does not usually go away on its own. For this type of goiter, no treatment is usually required. If you have goiter, it is important to see your doctor to determine whether it will go away on its own.