Swelling of the thyroid gland

definition

A swollen and enlarged thyroid gland is also known as a goiter. It occurs most often as a result of an insufficient supply of the trace element iodine (iodine deficiency). Thyroid diseases such as thyroiditis can also cause swelling. Often, however, it is not the thyroid gland but, for example, enlarged lymph nodes that are responsible for swelling in the neck. A doctor can determine the cause through an examination and, if necessary, further diagnostics.

Also read: Thyroid enlargement and Swelling - what's behind it?

causes

The thyroid is located in the lower part of the front neck, on the left and right of the larynx. There are different reasons why the thyroid gland can swell, so that it is enlarged palpable or even visible. The most common cause of this type of thyroid enlargement is an insufficient supply of the trace element iodine through food (Iodine deficiency goiter).
In rare cases, a swollen thyroid is due to an inflammation of the thyroid gland (Thyroiditis). Usually there is severe pain. In rare cases, malignant cancer can also be present.

You might also be interested in: Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

However, the swelling in the neck area can also have other causes. For example, a Congestion of the blood with reduced pumping function of the heart (Heart failure) lead to swelling in the neck area. One essential more common cause is a swelling that is not caused by the thyroid gland but by other structures in the neck area. Here are above all Lymph node swelling which can occur particularly with a respiratory tract infection and possibly also cause pain.

Read on under: Lymph node swelling on the neck - how dangerous is it?

Concomitant symptoms

With a swollen thyroid gland, there are often no other symptoms at first. However, they exist strong pain, it can be a Inflammation of the thyroid gland act (Thyroiditis). Much more often in such a case, however, are swollen lymph nodes as part of a flu-like infection the cause. Here are mostly other symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, or fatigue.

If the thyroid gland is swollen, the anatomical proximity to other structures can lead to various other complaints in the neck, depending on the severity. So can the thyroid from the outside on the windpipe and thereby the Affect breathing. Also the esophagus may be yours Not adequately performing the function of transporting foodso it too difficulties swallowing comes.
In addition, with thyroid disease always Thyroid disorders with a Over or under function possible. Due to insufficient thyroid hormone production, it can become too Symptoms, how increased freezing, weight gain and constipation come. In the Hyperfunction however, the patients complain about Diarrhea, tremors and agitation. The doctor can do a blood test Hormone levels check in the blood and thus the Thyroid function assess, if appropriate.

Read on under: Blood values ​​in case of hypothyroidism

Thyroid swelling - how can you tell for yourself?

Depending on the characteristics, the swelling the thyroid gland so strong be that one this recognize yourself in the mirror can. If necessary, the organ can also be used as a soft, partly nodular structure right and left of the larynx Keys.
However, only a doctor who is trained in this examination can give an accurate assessment of whether a swollen thyroid is present. Thyroid can but also be enlarged, without from the outside visible or palpable to be. In such a case, an enlargement can be detected with an ultrasound examination.

diagnosis

The doctor uses various tests to diagnose the cause of a swollen thyroid gland. He poses in a medical interview ask, like for example since when the swelling persists how fast this has developed or whether Pain exist. In addition, he asks about possible Symptoms of impaired thyroid function or other Thyroid disease. The question of whether a respiratory infection has occurred recently can also be important.

Read on to the Thyroid disorders

In addition, a targeted examination of the organ. The thyroid is palpated by the doctor by placing his fingers around the neck from behind. It also usually prompts the patient to swallow. Based on Texture, size and movabilityAs well as the findings from the medical interview, a suspected diagnosis can usually be made regarding the swelling. If necessary, further examinations such as a Ultrasonic performed in the neck region. Also one Blood draw and Determination of thyroid levels can be useful.

Treatment / therapy

Treatment for a swollen thyroid gland depends on the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor initiates appropriate therapy. At a Thyroid swelling because of a insufficient iodine supply will mostly iodine tablets prescribed for daily intake. Often these contain additionally as an active ingredient the iodine-containing thyroid hormones, as scientific studies have shown that these combination products are more effective. For example, the preparation Thyronajod® be used.

When a inflammation is the cause of the swollen thyroid gland, treatment with it is usually sufficient Painkillers and cooling compresses out. Antibiotics are also used if bacteria are the cause of the inflammation.

At very pronounced enlargement of the thyroid gland or if breathing and swallowing are impaired by the swelling, drug therapy may no longer be sufficient. In such cases, a surgical removal or through the Administration of radioactive substances as targeted irradiation "from within" (Radioiodine therapy) thyroid scaled down become.

With thyroid disease Graves disease becomes first a cure with Anti-thyroid drugs aimed at reducing hyperfunction. If this does not lead to success, surgery and radioiodine therapy are the alternatives here too.

However, since there is a swelling in the thyroid area often just around swollen lymph nodes Acts due to a respiratory tract infection, usually no special therapy is required. Only if this swelling too not decreased after two weeks is, should a medical examination to decide how to proceed.

Home remedies

A sole treatment a swollen thyroid gland with home remedies is not recommendable. A medical examination should always be carried out first in order to obtain a diagnosis and, if necessary, start therapy. Depending on the diagnosis, however, different home remedies can be used supportive can be used. Cooling compresses on the neck can provide relief for a painfully inflamed thyroid gland. One through Enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency alone counteract this by eating foods rich in iodine but it is not recommendable.

Duration of swelling of the thyroid gland

The duration of thyroid swelling depends on the cause. An enlargement of the organ due to If left untreated, iodine deficiency persists and can even increase further. If the cause is a inflammation is sounds the swelling usually with healing again. The same applies if the swelling does not originate in the thyroid gland, but is caused, for example, by lymph node enlargement during a cold.
Kick a Swelling without a flu-like infection on or this does not go away after a few days again, should be timely Family doctor to be visited.

Find out more about the Thyroid disorders

cold

At a cold there is often one Swelling of the neck. As a rule, however, it is Not around a swollen thyroid gland, as this is usually not affected by the cold germs (mostly viruses). Rather, there is often one Lymph node swelling in the neck as part of the body's natural defense reaction. The swollen lymph nodes can also be located near the thyroid gland, so that the cause of the swelling can easily be mistaken. When the swelling on the neck after recovering from a cold even after a few days not going back or even increases, should be a security doctor to be visited.

Rare can also be a direct one Inflammation of the thyroid gland exist. This is usually very painful and can with symptoms like Fatigue and body aches which also occur with a cold. However, a sore throat and cough are not common with thyroiditis. A cold with possibly painfully enlarged lymph nodes is then more likely.

Thyroid swelling and puffy eyes / eyelids

Appear next to a thyroid swelling as a symptom puffy eyes or eyelids this may indicate a specific disease as a common cause. It is a matter of Graves disease, a so-called Autoimmune thyroid diseasewhich often affects the eyes as well. The body produces antibodies (proteins produced by immune cells and released into the blood), which the thyroid gland to one pathologically increased hormone production, such as excessive growth stimulate. Other complaints are usually Consequences of hyperthyroidism like racing heart, tremors and inner restlessness. Anyone who notices a swollen thyroid gland, eye discomfort and possibly signs of an overactive thyroid should get one See a doctor. This can investigate suspected Graves' disease or another thyroid disease.

For more information, see: Hyperthyroidism and Graves disease

It is just as possible that the thyroid gland and the swollen eyelids are swollen various causes are based. Special tests, for example of the blood, can make a diagnosis and start appropriate therapy.

Thyroid swelling during pregnancy

During pregnancy the Thyroid function too. She will here stimulated by pregnancy hormones. A slight swelling of the thyroid gland during pregnancy is therefore often found and is primarily harmless.
However, a Malfunction occur that are have a negative impact on the development of the growing child can. Therefore, if in doubt, a medical check should be carried out. This is particularly true in the case of very pronounced swelling, which is clearly visible in the mirror, and if there is a palpable lump in the thyroid area.

After pregnancy, pregnancy hormone levels drop again and, consequently, the swelling of the thyroid gland decreases. If this persists or even continues to increase, an appointment with a doctor is also recommended. At 4% of women it also comes temporary inflammation after delivery of the thyroid (Post partum thyroiditis) those with a Over or under function and usually heals within a year without any consequences.