Goiter essays

Goiter essays A goiter is often referred to as an enlargement of the thyroid gland which is not caused by inflammation or cancer. Goiter, when at a simple level, occurs when the thyroid gland can not produce enough of the thyroid hormone to meet the bodys daily requirements. As a counteraction, the thyroid gland enlarges, which usually overcomes small thyroid hormone deficiencies. A simple case like this is called either an endemic goiter or a sporadic goiter. Endemic goiters often occur within groups of people living in areas with soil with low iodine, usually regions away from the sea coast. Most people in these communities might not get enough iodine in their diet which is important for the production of the thyroid hormone. Use of iodized table salt in the U.S. prevents this; however it is still common in central Asia and central Africa. Another cause for goiter is use of the medications lithium and aminoglutethimide, used to treat some kinds of tumors that affect the adrenal cortex. Some cases of goiter are caused by hereditary factors, Most of the causes for goiter, however, are unknown to us at this time. Risk factors for the development of a goiter include female sex, age over 40 years, inadequate dietary intake of iodine, residence in an endemic area, and a family history of goiter. Goiter may be prevented by avoiding use of the medications shown above, and the use of iodized table salt, as indicated above. A few of the symptoms of goiter include any sort of thyroid enlargement, breathing difficulties due to compression of the trachea, swallowing difficulties due to the compression of the esophagus, and dizziness when arms are raised above the level of the head. There are many tests that may determine if you have goiter or not. Some of these including measurements of thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine in the bloodstream, a thyroid scan, and finally an ultrasound on the thyroid. ...