What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An Inflamed / Enlarged Thyroid Gland?

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An Inflamed / Enlarged Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is located in the lower and front part of the neck just in front of trachea. The thyroid produces hormones essential for the proper functioning of your body. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, and hypothyroidism, or decreased thyroid activity, can cause several health complications. These diseases are the main causes of goiter, an inflamed or enlarged thyroid gland.

Enlarged Thyroid Signs

Among the possible signs of an enlarged or inflamed thyroid gland are difficulty swallowing and breathing. Extreme inflammation of the thyroid gland can sometimes make it difficult to swallow and breathe because the inflamed thyroid gland can put pressure on the esophagus and trachea. A visible butterfly-shaped swelling located in the lower and anterior part of the neck may indicate an enlarged thyroid gland. The swelling may be soft to the touch or it may feel like a lump or many small lumps.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. In addition to swelling, hyperthyroidism can produce extreme body heat, increased sweating, weak body and shaking hands. Eye diseases, fatigue and nervousness are also symptoms. When hyperthyroidism is not treated, the heartbeat may increase and osteoporosis may occur. Women can experience irregular menstrual cycles and suffer from infertility. A common cause of these symptoms is Grave's disease, in which the immune system goes to the thyroid gland and makes it useless.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland does not produce the necessary amount of hormones. An online research published by The Hormone Foundation shows that Hashimoto's disease is the cause of hypothyroidism in most cases. In this disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland until it is unable to produce the necessary hormones. In addition to an inflamed thyroid gland, the symptoms of hypothyroidism include extreme lethargy, depression, chills, dry scalp and hair, irregular periods and constipation.

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