Be careful if you see swelling in your throat.

The function of the thyroid gland, located in the front of our neck, is to produce hormones. These hormones play an important role in human growth, development, temperature, pulse rate, and various physiological and metabolic processes. A disease of the thyroid gland is goiter. As a result, the thyroid gland swells and a swelling appears in the throat.

Causes:
1) Lack of iodine in food and drinking water.
2) Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
3) Graves' disease .
4) Thyroid nodules, toxic thyroid nodules.
5) Thyroid cancer.
6) The size of the thyroid can increase slightly even in natural conditions such as puberty and pregnancy.
7) Inflammatory factors.
8) Taking certain medications (lithium, amiodarone, etc.)
9) Some food ingredients inhibit the production of thyroid hormones and can result in goiter. Some of these include vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, bok choy and soy-rich foods such as soy milk, soy sauce, tofu.

However, these are nutritious foods and there is no risk of harm if consumed in normal quantities, even daily. Moreover, if eaten properly, its harmful components are greatly reduced. Therefore, it is not scientific to completely avoid eating them if you have goiter.

Those at risk:
1) Those over 40 years of age.
2) Those with a family history of the disease are at increased risk.
3) Those living in areas far from the sea. Especially where the amount of iodine in food and water is low.
4) Women are more affected. It is more common during pregnancy and menopause.
5) People who have previously received radiation therapy to the head or neck for another disease.

Symptoms:
1) Swelling or lump in the throat (usually painless)
2) Difficulty swallowing or breathing if very large
3) Coughing
4) Dizziness when raising arms above head
5) Hoarseness or hoarseness in voice

Treatment: Treatment depends on the size, location, symptoms, and cause of the goiter. Since small goiters are not noticeable and do not cause problems unless they are cancerous and have normal hormone levels, they usually do not require any treatment, but follow-up at regular intervals is necessary.

If necessary, a specialist doctor can perform surgery. Even if you think you have or are developing a goiter, you should go to the doctor concerned. Many people in our country are quite reluctant to do this, and because of this, the patient and his family end up suffering a lot.

Suggested by: Dr. Alamgir Md. Shoaib, Senior Consultant (ENT), Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and Surgeon, Chittagong Medical College Hospital.