What causes thyroid to swell?
If you lack iodine in your diet, the thyroid swells as it tries to make enough T4 and T3. Some medicines such as lithium and amiodarone can cause the thyroid gland to swell as a side-effect. Hereditary factors – some people inherit a tendency for a thyroid gland to swell.
How serious is a swollen thyroid?
A goiter is typically not dangerous, unless the underlying cause of thyroid enlargement is a thyroid cancer. It is important to identify the cause of the goiter to rule out cancer.
Can swollen thyroid go away?
A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become larger. Over time, the thyroid gland may stop making enough thyroid hormone.
What happens if your thyroid is inflamed?
There are different types of thyroiditis, but they all cause inflammation and swelling of your thyroid. They can make it produce too many or not enough hormones. Too many can make you feel jittery and possibly make your heart race. Too few and you may feel tired and depressed.
What does an inflamed thyroid feel like?
A swelling in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. A feeling of tightness in the throat area. Hoarseness (scratchy voice)Neck vein swelling.
How do you treat swollen thyroid?
An overactive thyroid may be treated with an anti-thyroid medicine that disrupts hormone production. The most commonly used medicine, methimazole (Tapazole), may also reduce the size of the goiter.
How long does it take for an inflamed thyroid to heal?
People who develop subacute thyroiditis usually have symptoms for 1 to 3 months, but complete recovery of thyroid function can take up to 12 to 18 months.
How is inflamed thyroid treated?
Treatment is usually bed rest and aspirin to reduce inflammation of a sore thyroid. Occasionally cortisone (steroids, which reduce inflammation) and thyroid hormone (to “rest” the thyroid gland) may be used in prolonged cases.