The thyroid gland is a kind of shield (which is 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, cob alt, copper, zinc and other trace elements. These substances should not only enter the body with food in the right amount, but also be well absorbed by it.
Enlarged thyroid gland: causes
If an organ 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, a goiter develops. The fact that the thyroid gland is enlarged can be seen even visually, but its enlargement as such is not a disease. Only if there are malfunctions in the work of the body, there is a need for treatment.
People living in areas wherechronic lack of iodine, the thyroid gland may grow. 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 they are more likely to develop gland diseases. When a person does not receive iodine in the right doses with water and food for a long time, there is a shortage of the main building material necessary for the production of hormones. The thyroid gland will be enlarged due to the fact that the pituitary gland actively stimulates it, and this causes tissue growth. Despite this, the level of hormones continues to fall, which is fraught with the development of hypothyroidism and all the ensuing consequences. But don't self-diagnose. This should be done by an endocrinologist, who, if necessary, will prescribe treatment.
Degrees of goiter development
The thyroid gland can be enlarged to varying degrees. Classification of degrees is made on the basis of the severity of the symptoms. So, with a zero degree of enlargement of the organ, it cannot be seen either visually or on palpation. The first degree of goiter development is characterized by a slight increase in the volume of the thyroid gland, which can be detected by probing 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 the standard head position. The presented classification is not always in accordance with the severity of the condition. Atmen, for example, with a sufficiently developed diffuse toxic goiter, the thyroid gland can be slightly enlarged.
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
When the endocrine gland produces hormones in excess, hyperthyroidism develops. At first, with such a condition, a person may even look he althier and more attractive than before. So, he becomes ruddy, noticeably loses weight, 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 only be determined after a full diagnosis.
