Swollen Thyroid

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is butterfly shaped and is present in the neck region. Thyroid gland functions are varied but are mainly involved in controlling the metabolic rate of the body, among other activities. Although this is not a vital gland, it is a very important gland for normal functioning in the body. This butterfly shaped gland is responsible for the creation of two hormones that regulate the heart rate and blood pressure. Experiencing persistent pain in the neck area is often linked to a swollen thyroid and other such thyroid problems. The symptoms associated with an inflamed thyroid are indeed bothersome as the person experiences persistent pain in the neck region. An enlarged thyroid is a painful condition and the symptoms constantly remind the person that something is wrong in the neck region. During meals, swallowing food can be a cause of great discomfort. In case the swelling of the thyroid has occurred substantially, breathing too can become a painful and strained activity. Some of the most common enlarged thyroid causes are given in the following paragraphs.

Causes

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
A person diagnosed with swollen thyroid in neck could be suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this condition, a close examination of the neck reveals an unusual enlargement of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder where in the infection fighting cells of the immune system attack the thyroid gland. As the disease progresses, it causes slow deterioration of the thyroid gland function. In this condition, the thyroid gland is found to be incapable of manufacturing hormones in adequate amounts. This leads to hypothyroidism. Low thyroid hormone levels typically cause fatigue and infrequent bowel movement.

Graves' Disease
This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's own immune system launches an attack on the tissues of the thyroid gland. Although immune system attack causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, the resultant outcome isn't the same. In Hashimoto's disease, the swelling of the gland impairs its functioning and so the hormones are manufactured in insufficient amounts. However, in case of Graves' disease, the inflammation triggers over production of thyroid hormone, a condition referred to as hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Cancer
Swollen thyroid gland on one side could mean the presence of cancerous tumors. In this condition, the cells in the thyroid gland begin to divide and multiply indiscriminately. This abnormal growth of cells leads to formation of lump or nodules on one side of the neck. In most cases, thyroid cancer is detected in its early stages and so, doctors do not find it difficult to cure patients diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Iodine Deficiency
It is very essential that the body gets its daily dose of iodine from the diet. This is because without iodine, it is not possible for the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Iodine deficient diet can cause disturbances in the thyroid gland function but the first thing that is noticed is an enlarged thyroid, which is known as goiter.

An enlarged thyroid is not only a painful condition but can also cause considerable damage to the thyroid gland, if treatment is not taken in time. Before starting any treatment plan, why the thyroid gland has inflamed, needs to be figured out. Enlarged thyroid due to hypothyroidism is usually treated with oral medicines that help to overcome low thyroid levels. Inflammation of the thyroid resulting from hyperthyroidism, responds quite well to anti-thyroid medicines that stop excess production of hormones. However, it is best to consult an endocrinologist so that he may diagnose and treat the condition accordingly.