Does the thyroid gland hurt? Are the symptoms expressed by discomfort in the neck? This is the first alarm signal about the presence of a number of pathologies. How to correctly identify the signs of thyroid disease, how to distinguish pain and what to do? There are many questions, and even more answers.
Where is the thyroid gland located?
The thyroid gland is an organ related to the endocrine system. It produces hormones that ensure the normal functioning of the body.
The thyroid gland is located on the neck. Larynx and trachea are nearby. This organ consists of two lobes, which are interconnected by a narrow isthmus and resemble a butterfly in shape. The lower parts of the lobes are short and wide, and the upper parts are narrow and high.
The size and weight of the thyroid gland is different, depending on the individual characteristics of the body.
The thyroid is an important and significant endocrine gland. One of its main functions is the storage of iodine and the production of iodine-containing hormones. Experts call them iodothyronines. It is these hormones that are involved in the regulation of metabolic processes in the body.
Can the thyroid gland hurt? We will talk about the symptoms further. Many of them are associated with signs of submandibular lymph node disease, so it is important to distinguish between them.
Pain characteristic
The symptomatology of thyroid problems is rather vague and unclear. The exact cause can be determined by the endocrinologist.
Can the thyroid gland hurt? Yes. A symptom indicating a pathological process in this organ is precisely pain, which:
- varies (numbness, tingling, just unpleasant sensations);
- happens long, does not pass;
- it happens episodic;
- occurs when swallowing.
Thyroid pain is not easy to determine. There is no clear localization; the patient may simply experience discomfort in the neck.
A general health complaint may appear based on the following symptoms:
- headache;
- it is difficult to turn your head to the sides;
- sleep disturbance (insomnia);
- mild tremor of limbs;
- nervousness;
- increased emotional excitability;
- mental abnormalities;
- in girls - menstrual irregularities;
- difficult to concentrate and hold attention for a long time;
- causeless increased anxiety;
- polar phenomenon - absolute indifference to everything that happens around (apathy);
- the temperature rises if purulent and inflammatory processes occur.
Often the patient does not understand what is happening with his internal and physical conditions.
Relatives should be sympathetic to this disease and help to recover. It is impossible to engage in self-diagnosis of the disease. The exact cause and method of treatment can only be prescribed by an endocrinologist.
Symptoms in men
How does the thyroid gland hurt in men? Symptoms are easily confused with normal fatigue or SARS:
- body temperature is slightly elevated (37.2-37.5);
- frequent fatigue is observed;
- irritability is noticeable;
- palpitations begin to slow or slow.
Such symptoms are typical of malaise. It is more difficult to diagnose a pathology in men than in women, but in representatives of the stronger sex, a negative manifestation in the sexual sphere is added.
Female Signs
How does the thyroid gland hurt in women? Symptoms are similar to thyroid disease in men. Both sexes show a marked decrease in sexual desire. Often, women suffer reproductive function: the menstrual cycle is disrupted, infertility is possible.
In contrast to the stronger sex, the symptoms and causes of thyroid disease in women are much easier to diagnose. This is due to timely access to a doctor. Women are more attentive to their state of health and appearance. Therefore, noticeable changes in the size of the neck in them are alarming.
Symptomatic symptoms often appear as tracheal compression. Additional ones include cough, shortness of breath, sensation of a lump in the throat and general unpleasant condition.
General symptoms
How to understand that the thyroid gland hurts? Symptoms are as follows:
- discomfort and irritation, itches in the area of this organ;
- unpleasant feeling while swallowing a large piece of food;
- it seems like a lump in the throat;
- aching, tingling sensations;
- the nature of the pain may change;
- discomfort may appear if the head is turned or tilted;
- the pain may be constant, or it may be periodic.
If the above symptoms bother a person, then an urgent need to contact an endocrinologist. Other symptoms may include memory problems, increased irritability, insomnia, loss of strength, and sudden weight loss.
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Does the thyroid gland hurt? Symptoms that indicate the development of cancer:
- pain in the cervical region extending to the ear;
- densification under the skin of the neck (rapidly increasing in size);
- hoarse voice;
- It's difficult to breathe;
- swallowing is impaired;
- cough (not associated with a viral infection);
- weakness, weight loss, excessive sweating, loss of appetite.
When identifying such symptoms, it is urgent to contact an oncologist and endocrinologist. The only way to accurately diagnose cancer is to undergo a full medical examination.
Causes
Symptomatic manifestations are so extensive that they can mean different diseases. Often occurring:
Disease | Development reasons | Symptoms |
Chronic thyroiditis | With this disease, the tissues of the gland become inflamed. An infection provokes the inflammatory process. The lesion can be directly the thyroid gland, or nearby tissues. | Temperature rise; pain - spreads from the neck to the temples and the back of the head; swelling on the neck (in the area of the gland); suppuration of inflamed tissues. |
Granulomatous thyroiditis | The inflammatory process is provoked by pathogenic microorganisms. | Heat; intoxication of the body; strong pain; swelling. |
Autoimmune thyroiditis | The disease develops due to a hereditary factor and an external one. The main reason is a malfunction of the immune system. | Symptoms are blurry enough. Pain can occur accidentally or progress. |
Chronic fibrous thyroiditis | Content rare disease characterized by an inflammatory process. | There is a goiter. Dense fabrics when felt. The pain is clear in the area of the affected tissue of the gland. |
Malignant tumors | Tumor - the final stage of a long inflammatory process | Painful sensations are localized in this organ. Noticeable breathing and swallowing problems. The patient's condition may worsen every day |
A sharp decrease in hormones in the body can lead to myxedema coma. Such a serious complication is often found in older women who suffer from hypothyroidism. A serious condition is accompanied by a number of signs: loss of consciousness, cardiac or respiratory failure. The risk of death is likely.
Diagnostics
When the thyroid gland hurts, the symptoms “dictate” the method and method of treatment. First of all, you need to see an endocrinologist.
He will prescribe a mandatory comprehensive full examination of the body, namely:
- general analysis of blood and urine;
- determination of the level of thyroid hormones;
- Ultrasound of the thyroid gland - to determine the size, structure and presence of formations;
- analysis for the presence of antibodies to detect the autoimmune nature of the disease;
- scintigraphy - a diagnostic method that involves the introduction of radioactive iodine into the body, followed by analysis of its distribution over the tissues of the gland;
- biopsy with suspected oncology;
- MRI for 3D images of the thyroid gland.
The last method is shown if there is a suspicion of sternal goiter.
Treatment
The thyroid gland hurts, and the symptoms indicate a pathological process in this organ? It is urgent to consult a doctor, treatment is independently prohibited. Otherwise, it can cause irreparable harm to health. Only after the received analyzes during diagnosis can we talk about a specific treatment method.
If a hormone deficiency is detected, then the doctor prescribes hormone replacement drugs. The same method is used if the mineral-vitamin complex did not give a positive result. The patient must understand that this therapy is lifelong. It is not possible to fully restore thyroid function.
When detecting a malignant formation, doctors recommend eliminating it by surgery. Subsequent chemotherapy is inevitable. In some cases, they can partially or completely remove the thyroid gland. However, such a method is resorted to if the conservative method of treatment has not yielded results, and the patient’s health is deteriorating.
Prevention
If the thyroid gland hurts and the symptoms directly indicate this, resorting to preventive measures is pointless. Prevention is only suitable for those patients who have completed their entire course of treatment and have reached a state of remission.
Elementary rules must be followed by everyone who cares about their state of health. Preventive methods are quite simple:
- eliminate bad habits;
- adhere to a diet;
- physical activity must be present in life in reasonable ways;
- balance of work and rest;
- observe the daily routine;
- endocrine diseases are often classified as psychosomatic; therefore, everything depends on the psychoemotional state of a person; worry not only about your body, but also about the harmony of the soul;
- contact a specialist in a timely manner when the first signs of the disease appear.
Sore throat in the thyroid gland is always noticeable. Therefore, these symptoms can frighten an ordinary person. Seek help from a qualified professional immediately.
Do not tighten! Otherwise, the disease can lead to serious complications and even death.