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The potential crisis of enlarged thyroid: Can you identify these warning signals?
In today's society, swollen thyroid is a health issue facing many people.This problem not only affects appearance, but may also affect the functions of other organs in the body.The thyroid is a small gland located in front of the neck that is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that regulate energy use and development.Its abnormal function can lead to a range of health problems, from low energy to severe illness, and may even affect life safety.
According to research, swollen thyroid gland usually occurs in various situations:
1. Hypothyroidism
2. Hyperthyroidism
3. Structural abnormalities, such as goiter
4. Tumors, including benign or malignant tumors
5. Tests for abnormal thyroid function without clinical symptoms (such as subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperactivity)
According to data from the United States, the incidence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in people over the age of 12 is 4.6% and 1.3%, respectively.If you find some warning signs on yourself or others, this may indicate potential problems in thyroid health.
Warning Signs for Thyroid Problems
The symptoms of thyroid problems vary, and warning signals vary from one condition to another.Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Fatiguness, low energy, weight gain, reduced tolerance to cold, slower heart rate, dry skin and constipation
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Irritability, anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, reduced heat tolerance, diarrhea, and goiter
Many people may ignore certain mild symptoms, such as fatigue, hair loss or irregular menstruation, but these may be early signs of abnormal thyroid function.When these signs continue to appear, it is recommended to seek medical help.
Why do goiter appear?
Gyroid enlargement is usually caused by the lack of necessary thyroid hormones or due to excessive activity.Whether it is too low or too high thyroid function, the body will try to cope by stimulating the thyroid to produce more hormones, and such overstimulation ultimately leads to enlargement of the thyroid.
In most cases, the enlarged thyroid gland is due to the body's response to autoimmune, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which lead to hyperfunction and hypofunction, respectively.
Diagnosis Process
The process of diagnosing thyroid disease mainly depends on medical records and physical examinations.If dysfunction of thyroid gland is suspected, common preliminary tests include blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormone.The most common tests are thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4).These tests can effectively help doctors understand the health of the thyroid gland.
In addition to blood tests, ultrasound and biopsy are also commonly used diagnostic methods, especially when thyroid nodules are suspected.Ultrasound can help evaluate the structure and shape of the thyroid gland; and based on the biopsy results, doctors can further confirm whether the lump is malignant.
Treatment Options
Because there are many causes of thyroid disease, the treatment method also varies by type of disease.For patients with hypothyroidism, the most important treatment method is to take Levothyroxine to supplement the missing hormones.For hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease, treatment options such as iodine therapy, antithyroid drugs or surgical procedures can be considered.
It is worth noting that goiter conditions in some cases can compress the airway or cause dysphagia, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
Thinking on the Future
For many, management of thyroid health can be a distant idea.However, understanding the relevant symptoms and testing methods can detect problems early and take measures is critical to health.Is your thyroid health worthy of your attention?
