Goiter

• December 21, 2020

Irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland is a goiter. Your thyroid is a butterfly gland just under your Adam's apple, situated at the base of your spine. A large goitre can trigger cough and make it challenging for you to swallow or breathing, but goitres are generally pain-free. A shortage of iodine in the diet is the most frequent source of goiters globally. In the United States, where iodized salt is widely used, the over-or under-production of thyroid hormones or nodules in the gland itself is more commonly caused by goitre. Treatment relies on the extent of the goitre and the origin of the problems. There is generally no need for medication for small goitres that are not visible and do not cause problems.