Swollen Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the lower neck region. Thyroid gland functions are varied but are mainly involved in controlling the metabolic rate of the body, among other activities.

It is responsible for the creation of two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), 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 common causes of inflamed thyroid are given here:

A person diagnosed with swollen thyroid in the 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 wherein 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.

This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's own immune system launches an attack on the tissues of the thyroid gland. As a result, the thyroid gland gets inflamed, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones, a condition referred to as hyperthyroidism.

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.

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 working of thyroid gland and the first thing that is noticed is an enlarged thyroid, which is known as goiter.

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 synthetic drug known as levothyroxine that helps 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.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.