Thyroid Goiter : Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Medications, Treatment

The thyroid gland which is located within our neck provides essential hormones that help to regulate our body's metabolism.  While small to moderate goiters may not cause any visible signs or symptoms, when the thyroid gland becomes significantly enlarged an individual may experience several uncomfortable symptoms including difficulty breathing or swallowing due to the swelling of the gland putting pressure on the windpipe (trachea) or esophagus. There are numerous underlying conditions that can cause the swelling of enlargement of the thyroid gland, however, a is does not always cause the thyroid gland to function abnormally and it will still continue to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces essential thyroid hormones by absorbing and utilizing iodine that we obtain from certain foods. Hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid - is the condition in which the thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormones and can cause the swelling of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid - can also cause goiter and is the condition in which the thyroid produces too little of the thyroid hormones. Solitary thyroid nodules can also cause swelling and are single nodules that develop and affect a portion of the thyroid gland.