Finding
TV commercials promoting the consumption of iodized salt is for a good cause.
It has a significant impact on health. The goal is to eat iodized salt. It
prevents iodine deficiency and reduces goiter risk. With the body unable to produce
iodine, eating food rich in iodine is crucial for making thyroid hormones.
The
thyroid gland is an important part of our body, located at the base of the
neck. This small endocrine gland makes hormones like thyroxine and
triiodothyronine, which affect the body’s cells.
However,
once the thyroid grows, it forms one or more small lumps. These are called
thyroid nodules and may form goiters. Irregular thyroid hormone levels, known
as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, affect the body.
Types
Goitre
comes in types. There are simple or diffuse goitre, nodular goitre, and
multinodular goitre. There are also toxic and non-toxic goitre.
Causes
and symptoms
When it
is devoid of producing hormones, the thyroid gland can lead to goiter. Iodine
deficiency is the root cause of goiter.
The symptoms of goiter are hard to notice. However, a person suffering from it
may see a lump in the front of the neck. They may also notice a rigid throat.
Hoarseness and swollen neck veins are the other symptoms. They may also have
trouble swallowing.
Diagnosis
Blood
tests can detect whether there is a presence of goiter. Examining the thyroid
gland can detect abnormal growth. An ultrasound will check the thyroid gland
and help to find out its condition. A biopsy and scanning are also recommended.
Goiters
can go away on their own. Many multinodular goiters have normal thyroid hormone
levels, so they may not need treatment. However, risks may arise if
hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism starts.
Timely
medication is necessary in the case of goiter, and thyroid hormone replacement
therapy is also recommended. In the case of goiter, the thyroid gland grows
bigger in size. In this case, doctors recommend a thyroidectomy. This means the
surgical removal of the thyroid, wholly or partly. Also, medical intervention
can check for the presence of cancer.
Preventing goitre
A diet
that includes fish, dairy, and iodized salt will help mitigate the crisis. Some
research suggests a diet combining Vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.
Information
about goiter needs to be circulated among the masses. The population should
also avoid certain myths and prevent misinformation from spreading.
Timely medical intervention and following an
iodine-rich diet will keep goiter at bay.
