The thyroid gland is a kind of shield (as reflected in the name), located under the larynx right in front of the trachea. This organ is endowed with a number of important functions: it produces hormones and regulates metabolic processes in almost all cells. For optimal and uninterrupted operation, the gland needs a certain amount of iodine, vitamin A, cobalt, copper, zinc and other trace elements. These substances must not only enter the body in the right amount with food, but also be well absorbed by them.
Thyroid gland enlarged: causes
If the body produces an inappropriate amount of hormones, malfunctions in the functioning of the whole organism begin. This is accompanied by the fact that the thyroid gland grows in volume, that is, goiter develops. The fact that the thyroid gland is enlarged can be seen even visually, however, its increase as such is not a disease. Only if there are malfunctions in the body, there is a need for treatment.
People living in areas with chronic iodine deficiency can develop a thyroid gland. But at the same time, no disturbances occur in its functioning, therefore, such an increase is only a cosmetic problem. Nevertheless, residents of these areas should still think about their diet, because the likelihood of developing diseases of the gland is increased. When a person does not receive iodine in the right doses with water and food for a long time, a deficiency of the main building material necessary for the production of hormones occurs. The thyroid gland will be enlarged due to the fact that the pituitary gland actively stimulates it, and this causes tissue proliferation. Despite this, the level of hormones continues to fall, which is fraught with the development of hypothyroidism and all the ensuing consequences. But do not diagnose yourself. This should be done by the endocrinologist, and he will prescribe treatment if necessary.
The degree of development of goiter
The thyroid gland can be enlarged to varying degrees. Classification of degrees is based on the severity of symptoms. So, with a zero degree of organ enlargement, you can not notice either visually or by palpation. The first degree of goiter development is characterized by a slight increase in the volume of the thyroid gland, which can be detected when palpating the neck at the time of swallowing. In the normal state, changes are not noticeable. When the thyroid gland is enlarged to the second degree, visually the symptoms are already clearly visible even with a standard head position. The presented classification is not always in accordance with the severity of the condition. In men, for example, with a sufficiently developed diffuse toxic goiter, the thyroid gland can be increased very slightly.
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
When the endocrine gland produces hormones in excess, hyperthyroidism develops. At first, in the presence of such a condition, a person may even look more healthy and attractive than before. So, it becomes ruddy, noticeably losing weight, it seems cheerful and energetic. This is explained by the growth of hormones in the blood. In the opposite state - hypothyroidism, characterized by a lack of hormones, the situation develops according to the opposite scenario: the metabolism slows down, weight increases, swelling occurs, and pressure rises. Doctors should do some research and identify the reasons why the thyroid gland is enlarged. What to do in order to normalize the size of the organ can be determined only after a full diagnosis.