Goiter, or struma, is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. While not necessarily considered a serious medical condition, it can become large enough to cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, the goiter can also start producing thyroid hormone itself, leading to a condition known as hyperthyroidism. It can also cause the destruction of the thyroid gland, reduce hormone production and hypothyroidism. When one of these situations occurs, many patients turn to their doctor to learn how to treat goiter. Fortunately, there are various treatment options, which help people manage this enlargement safely and effectively.
Steps
Step 1. Check it out
Watch it for a while to see if it changes size or begins to cause uncomfortable symptoms before considering treatment. Some of the symptoms may include a feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
In some cases, the smaller goiters can disappear on their own, without becoming a problem. However, if it gets bigger or symptoms begin to arise, it may be wise to ask your doctor how to treat it
Step 2. Use radioactive iodine to shrink the enlarged thyroid gland
Iodine is normally taken orally, so it can reach the thyroid through the bloodstream and destroy thyroid cells. This treatment is especially effective in patients with a thyroid that produces too much hormone. However, in some patients who take the drug for too long, it can cause hypothyroidism, so it should only be taken under the careful supervision of a doctor.
Step 3. Take medication if goiter is the result of excessive or decreased thyroid hormone production
Drugs such as levothyroxine act as hormone replacements to solve the problems associated with hypothyroidism. For hyperthyroidism, a good treatment is a drug that effectively regulates the hormone levels in the body. A thyroid that becomes inflamed due to goiter may require anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or corticosteroids to reduce discomfort.
While the drug cannot make the goiter go away, it prevents it from growing further and helps treat any uncomfortable symptoms associated with the problem
Step 4. Consider surgical treatment if the goiter is overgrowing or unresponsive to medication
Removing part or all of the thyroid gland can relieve both physical symptoms and the appearance of goiter. Surgery is also needed if you suspect thyroid cancer.
