Best Opetion for Resolving Goitre Problem Via Ayurvedic Treatment
Goiter is a condition in which the thyroid glands grow abnormally larger. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland below Adam’s apple in the neck. It produces hormones that regulate bodily functions, including the body’s metabolism process and the process that helps with energy production. In addition to this, thyroid glands regulate functions such as respiration, digestion, heart rate, and your mood.
The thyroid gland assists the body produce the hormones such as hormones thyroxine (also called T4) and triiodothyronine (also called T3).
Goiter is a condition that results in the enlarged size of the thyroid gland. Goiters are painless unless you have a large goiter that is causing you to cough and making it hard for you to breathe or swallow food. It may develop in anyone but is more apparent in women. Thereby, in women, it affects the functioning of the thyroid gland leading to the thyroid.
The use of iodized salt is the known reason for goiter; the less common causes include the over or underproduction of thyroid hormone or damage to the nodules in the gland itself.
As it is harmless, it may go away within a short time without treatment. But if the condition is causing you severe signs, you may need treatment. It is good to diagnose it with the help of doctors’ advice. Additionally, blood tests or scans may help you with finding out the cause.
Signs
In several cases, the only sign that can be noticed is swelling in the neck. The swelling can extend and is often noticeable with the hand.
If other symptoms do occur, the following are the most common ones:
- throat tightness, cough, and hoarseness
- trouble swallowing
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
If hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid is the cause, you may also notice symptoms such as:
- nervousness
- palpitations
- hyperactivity
- increased sweating
- heat hypersensitivity
- fatigue
- increased appetite
- hair loss
- weight loss
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause signs
- constipation
- poor memory
- personality changes
- hair loss
- weight gain
- an intolerance to the cold
What causes goiter?
Goiter can be caused by different conditions, such as:
When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, it makes up for the shortfall by expanding itself. Not getting enough iodine in your diet is also responsible for the development of goiter.
There is another type of goiter called sporadic goiter that has no exact cause. Scientists believe it to be because of certain drugs such as drug lithium.
Other risk factors associated with goiter include:
- Hereditary
- Female gender
- Age over 40
Other diseases and conditions that may trigger goiter include:
- Graves’ disease – It is an autoimmune disease in which the body starts to attack the healthy cells and tissues, including your thyroid gland.
- Hashimoto’s disease – It is yet another autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the thyroid gland. As a result, the body is in a shortfall of thyroid hormones and results in a goiter.
- Nodular goiter – Nodules when develop on one or both sides of the thyroid gland, causing it to enlarge.
- Thyroid cancer – Cancer of the thyroid gland often results in the increased size of the thyroid.
- Pregnancy – At this time, a woman’s body secretes a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin that results in abrupt thyroid growth.
- Thyroiditis – This is a rare condition in which the thyroid gland inflames and grow itself.
- Exposure to radiation – Medical interventions such as radiation to the head and neck can pose a great risk to the growth of goiter in the body.
Risk factors
- Being female. Because women likely get thyroid disorders, they’re also more at the risk of developing goiters.
- Your age. Goiters are quite common in your mid-40s.
- Medical history. A person’s family history is also related to the risk of goiter.
Complications
Small goiters may not cause you many problems. But large goiters can make it hard for you to eat or breathe as they cause cough. If the goiter is related to conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, one may experience signs such as changes in weight, fatigued and tired body, mood swings, irritability, and sleep apnea.
Diagnosis
Initially, he may examine the thyroid gland by feeling your neck during the physical examination. The doctor can determine the presence of nodules around the gland.Medical procedures that may help diagnose goiter include:
- A hormone test – Blood tests can help know the amount of the hormone being produced by the thyroid and pituitary gland. If your thyroid is underactive, it means the level of thyroid hormone is relatively low than normal. But at the same time, your TSH will be increased as the pituitary gland tries to trigger the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.
- But goiter is imputed to an overactive thyroid, which is more thyroid level in the blood and low TSH levels.
- An antibody test – – The presence of abnormal antibodies will indicate a goiter.
- Ultrasonography – It is done with the help of a device held over the neck. Due to the sound wave, the doctor can visualize the image of the thyroid gland for any deformity.
- A biopsy – A biopsy is a procedure done to get a sample tissue from the thyroid gland for testing.
Ayurvedic treatment for Goiter
According to Ayurveda, Goiter is caused due to imbalance of Kapha. In several cases, Vata can also result in the condition. Additionally, vitiated Kapha, when amalgamates with fat tissues, can swelling in the throat, leads to goiter. In Ayurveda, Goiter is called Galaganda.
The role of ayurvedic medicines is to ensure that the doshas or humor, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are properly balanced to ensure that functional units of the body work properly.