Goitre associated with hyperthyroidism may need treatment

A goitre is an abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland. The most common cause of goitre worldwide is lack of iodine in the diet.

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and is found primarily in seawater and the soil in coastal areas.

In the developing world, people who live inland or at high elevations are often iodine deficient and can develop goitres when the thyroid enlarges in an effort to obtain more iodine. Iodine deficiency may be made worse by a diet high in hormone-inhibiting foods, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

The other causes include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.

A hormone produced during pregnancy -- human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) -- may also cause thyroid gland to enlarge slightly.

Not all goitres cause signs and symptoms but if it shows, they may include a swelling at the base of neck, tight feeling in throat, coughing, hoarseness and difficulties in swallowing and breathing.

Women are more prone to thyroid disorders especially during pregnancy and menopause. It is more common after 40. A personal or family history of autoimmune disease increases risk of goitre.

Certain medications, including the heart drug amiodarone and the psychiatric drug lithium and others, increase the risk also.

If anyone had radiation treatments to neck or chest area, the person is at risk.

Goitres that result from other conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, may be associated with a number of symptoms, ranging from fatigue and weight gain to unintended weight loss, irritability and trouble sleeping.

Treatment of goitre depends on its size, symptoms and the cause. Small goitres that aren't noticeable and don't cause problems, usually don't need treatment. But if thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low, then treatment is needed.

Doctors may suggest a wait-and-see approach if goitre is small and doesn't cause problems, and if thyroid is functioning normally.

But a goitre case associated with hyperthyroidism may need medication to normalise hormone levels.

In case of a large goitre, the doctor may remove all or part of thyroid gland.