Simple Thyroid swelling is the most common manifestation of swelling of the neck, which affects the appearance. Severe swelling will compress the trachea and esophagus, causing dysphagia, blockage, breathing, poor breathing, dizziness, fainting, etc. If it is pressed on the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it can also cause hoarseness.
The standard for goiter is usually determined by visual diagnosis and palpation.
Goiter index is an important indicator for evaluating the severity of thyroid disease and observing the treatment effect.
Goiter is generally divided into degrees I, II, and III.
- Ⅰ degree can be seen, but cannot touch it. You can see goiter but the thyroid gland does not exceed the sternocleidomastoid muscle level.
- Ⅲ degree exceeds the iconic level of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Steroclavicular mastoid muscle is the largest and thickest muscle among the many muscles in the neck. It is responsible for moving the head and neck in all directions, one on the left and right. When the head turns left or right, you can see that the muscle protruding on the neck is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The height of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is used as a marker to evaluate how many degrees of enlargement of the thyroid gland is.
Goiter commonly known as thick neck is a common clinical sign and a common manifestation of multiple thyroid diseases.
1. Physiological goiter
is usually seen in what people often call simple "thick neck", also known as pubertal goiter, simple goiter, iodine deficiency or endemic goiter , which is more common in young women growing in inland mountainous areas and during pregnancy; most of them have only goiter and mildly increased serum TSH levels, and there are no obvious abnormalities in others.
2. Pathological goiter
1. Hyperthyroidism: referred to as hyperthyroidism, clinically manifested as goiter, fear of heat, excessive sweating, , and excessive eating, and weight loss, increased bowel movement, , palpitations, , etc.
2. Hypothyroidism: referred to as hypothyroidism, manifested as goiter, fear of cold, less sweating, dry skin, drowsiness, fatigue, less lesions, abdominal distension, constipation, etc.
3.Subacute thyroiditis: Its main characteristics are upper respiratory tract infection, fever, anterior neck pain, hyperthyroidism in the early stage, and hypothyroidism in the later stage.
4. Simple thyroid adenoma : Only thyroid nodules are enlarged, and the nodules have smooth surfaces, good mobility, and slow growth. Except for the sensation of neck compression, there are no other obvious clinical manifestations.
5. Thyroid cancer : There are nodular goiter large, the surface of the nodule is not smooth, the texture is hard, the mobility is poor, and it grows faster, and it is accompanied by other discomfort symptoms such as neck compression.
What to eat for goiter
Goiter Requirements for different dietary requirements depending on the cause.
- If goiter caused by hyperthyroidism, you need a low-iodine diet and eat more high-calorie, high-protein, and vitamin-rich foods.
- If physiological goiter occurs during puberty, you can eat more iodine-containing foods, such as kelp and seafood.
- Endogenous goiter can be supplemented with iodine and eat foods rich in iodine.
- Nodular goiter should avoid a large amount of iodine intake, and you can eat a normal diet.
- patients with thyroiditis, if the thyroid is in a state of hyperthyroidism, they need a low-iodine diet.
- If it is a parathyroid adenoma, a low-calcium diet is required. After surgical removal of the tumor, sufficient calcium and vitamin D are needed.
When you have goiter, you need to check the cause of goiter and consult a specialist for how to eat. Eating appropriate foods that clear heat and reduce swelling, soften hard and disperse nodules has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on goiter.
