The thyroid gland is an indispensable organ of the endocrine system, which produces substances responsible for many important processes. Namely, it is responsible for the activity of the brain, cardiac activity, muscle tone, metabolic processes. Therefore, any problems with the thyroid gland sooner or later are reflected in other organs and systems.
It is established that thyroid gland diseases develop in women much more often than in the stronger sex, and one of the common pathologies is the increase of this organ. Often this is due to a shortage of iodine intake, poor environmental conditions, constant stress, chronic infectious diseases, bad habits. We learn what are the symptoms of diffuse thyroid gland enlargement and how to treat it with this diagnosis.
Symptoms of an increase in the thyroid gland
Symptoms of an increase in the thyroid gland and its hormones are not immediately apparent and depend on the stage of pathology. Note changes can only be done with palpation, ultrasound or radiographic examination. There are 5 stages of enlargement of the thyroid gland with such signs:
- In the first stage, when the palpation is increased, the gland is not detected, however, during the swallowing of saliva and eating, the patient may feel some discomfort.
- In the second stage, the enlarged lobes of the gland are already probed, and its enlarged isthmus is noticeable.
- The third stage is characterized by visually noticeable size of the organ, as a result of which the neck thickens, its contours are changed.
- The thyroid gland with an increase in the fourth degree begins to act not only forward, but also on the sides. Swallowing functions are considerably hampered.
- The most severe stage leads to disfigurement of the neck. Trachea and esophagus are traumatized, as a result of which the swallowing and breathing processes are broken, the voice changes, the patient feels considerable pain and discomfort.
The increase in the thyroid gland can be evidenced by such manifestations as:
- decrease or increase in weight without apparent grounds;
- cardiopalmus;
- fatigue, fatigue;
- irritability;
- problems with sleep;
- loss and dullness of hair;
- sweating;
- irregular menstruation;
- visual impairment;
- tremor of hands ;
- unexplained cough;
- stool disorders, etc.
Treatment with an increase in the thyroid gland
For the purpose of appropriate treatment for this pathology, it is required first to carry out the necessary diagnostic measures, among which:
- a blood test for hormones ;
- examination by ultrasound;
- computerized axial tomography;
- nuclear scanning, etc.
Methods of treatment depend on the causes of an increase in thyroid gland, the stage of the pathological process, the accompanying ailments. It is easy to guess that the most easily treatable enlargement of the thyroid gland 1 degree, so it is very important early detection of pathology. In neglected cases, as a rule, do without surgical treatment fails.
In most cases, treatment provides for substitution drug therapy - taking hormonal drugs. Also, drugs that inhibit the functioning of the gland, a special diet can be recommended. One of the modern methods of treatment is radioiodine therapy - the use of radioactive iodine preparations for the destruction of the gland tissues.
Treatment of an increase in the thyroid gland folk remedies can be performed only after diagnosis and with the permission of a doctor. The most effective folk method for treating thyroid diseases is the use of an alcohol tincture of cinquefoil white.