Why would my thyroid gland be swollen?
The most common cause of thyroid enlargement is the nutritional deficiency of iodine required to produce thyroid hormones. If there is not enough iodine available, the thyroid gland reacts by becoming enlarged.
How serious is a swollen thyroid?
A goiter is typically not dangerous, unless the underlying cause of thyroid enlargement is a thyroid cancer. It is important to identify the cause of the goiter to rule out cancer.
How can I make my thyroid swelling go down?
Treatments for an enlarged thyroid include:
- Thyroid hormone replacement pills if the goiter is due to an underactive thyroid.
- Small doses of Lugol’s iodine or potassium iodine solution if the goiter is due to a lack of iodine.
- Radioactive iodine to shrink the gland if the thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone.
Will a swollen thyroid go away?
Goiters are often harmless and may go away after a short time without treatment. People usually do not need treatment unless the goiter is large and causes bothersome symptoms.
How do you reduce inflammation of the thyroid?
How Can We Decrease Inflammation?
- Consume adequate nutrients from foods and supplements that decrease inflammation in the thyroid.
- Strengthen gut health.
- Lower stress.
- Eat a nutrient dense, low-carb diet.
- Get proper thyroid medication.
- Eliminate or greatly reduce thyroid inflammation triggers.
Can stress cause swollen thyroid?
A delicate balance between stress hormones and cortisol must exist for proper thyroid function. If this delicate balance changes, your thyroid symptoms may increase.
Does a swollen thyroid hurt?
The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland. Sometimes, the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears. The thyroid gland may be painful and swollen for weeks or, in rare cases, months.
What does a swollen thyroid gland indicate?
Signs of an enlarged thyroid. Extremely swollen thyroid glands can sometimes make swallowing and breathing difficult because the swollen thyroid gland can press on the esophagus and windpipe. A visible butterfly-shaped swelling located at the lower, front part of the neck may indicate an enlarged thyroid gland.
What happens if the thyroid gland is swollen?
If the thyroid gland enlarges, it causes a swelling in the neck which you can see – a goitre . The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones – called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are carried around the body in the bloodstream. T4 and T3 help to keep the body’s functions (the metabolism) working at the correct pace.
What does a swollen thyroid feel like?
A swollen thyroid, or goiter, occurs when the gland swells to larger than normal. Large goiters, seen or felt at the base of the neck, may cause tightness in the throat, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. A swollen thyroid can increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormone and can present additional symptoms.
What is the treatment for a swollen thyroid?
Treatments for thyroid swelling include medication, surgery, and radioactive iodine treatment. Medications to reduce swelling are the most commonly prescribed. Aspirin and corticosteroid drugs treat just the swelling without addressing the cause.