We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Goiter Symptoms?

By Kathy Heydasch
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,577
Share

Goiter is a condition represented by a swelling of the thyroid gland. Many people who see visible swelling at the base of the throat might think instantly that it is a cancerous growth, but goiter is not malignant. It can indicate that there is a problem somewhere with the endocrine system that needs to be evaluated. Goiter can progress with relatively few signs or symptoms, but the most common include swelling, tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and coughing or hoarseness.

The thyroid gland is located on the front of the throat at the base of the neck. It is shaped like a butterfly, and produces hormones which help control energy and protein levels, among other things. When there is a problem with the thyroid, goiter symptoms can develop. If goiter symptoms interfere with a person's ability to breathe or swallow, or when there is visible swelling, a doctor should be consulted.

Throughout the world, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter. In the US and other countries, the use of iodized salt since the 1920s has virtually eradicated the problem, but nearly two billion people around the globe have an iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency can cause mental retardation, among other things. If a person in a country that uses iodized salt develops goiter symptoms, this usually means there is another condition to blame.

A patient that presents with goiter symptoms is usually tested for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is an underproduction of thyroid hormones, while hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is typically caused by Graves’ Disease and hypothyroidism is typically caused by Hashimoto’s Disease. Both can have drastic effects on the normal functions of the rest of the body, since the endocrine system is interdependent on so many other functions.

Goiter can be categorized as diffuse, which means that conditions appear throughout the thyroid. This is also known as multi-nodular goiter. Goiter can also be toxic, in cases of hyperthyroidism, or non-toxic, in cases of hypothyroidism.

The diagnosis of goiter is usually determined when goiter symptoms appear and thyroid hormone levels are tested and found to be abnormal. In cases of hypothyroidism, hormone replacement medicines are given which simulate the normal production of thyroid hormones. In cases of hyperthyroidism that is deemed to be temporary, beta-blockers are used as treatment. Beta-blockers do not affect the thyroid; they only lessen the side effects of the overproduction of thyroid hormones. In patients with long-term hyperthyroidism, other drugs can be effective in stifling the production of the thyroid hormones.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-goiter-symptoms.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.