A lump on the front of your neck is a goiter.Don't worry, it's probably alarming to find a lump on your neck.Goiters don't mean you have a serious medical condition.If you have the proper treatment, your thyroid can shrink back to a normal size.There are no effective home remedies for shrinking a goiter, so you need medical attention to treat it.If you notice a lump on the front of your neck, you should go to your doctor.
Step 1: Take a look at the goiter and see if it shrinks on its own.
The goiter may not be causing major problems after your doctor examines it.They will simply use a wait and see approach.If the goiter doesn't get any worse, they'll probably leave it alone.Your doctor will want you to come back in for regular exams to keep an eye on the goiter.If it starts to cause problems, they will probably start treatment.
Step 2: Take hormones to regulate your hormones.
A goiter can be caused by an over or under-active thyroid, and you need medication for either condition.If you want to shrink the goiter, you should replace your hormones.Methimazole and propylthiouracil are common medications for hyperthyroidism.The goiter should be treated with these.Levothyroxine is a common medication for hypothyroidism.This will boost your function.
Step 3: Anti-Inflammation medications can be used to treat the swelling.
Along with hormone therapy, your doctor may recommend anti-Inflammatory drugs to try and shrink the goiter.Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin will work in most cases.Take the medication according to your doctor's instructions.If the swelling is too severe for over-the-counter drugs, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medications.
Step 4: Shrink your thyroid with radioactive treatments.
Radioactive Ii is an oral medication.It is sometimes used to treat a very overactive thyroid.The medication should get rid of the goiter.Take it as directed by your doctor.You will probably have to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life after you have been exposed to radioactive iodine.
Step 5: If you have a severe case, go for thyroid-removal surgery.
If the goiter is large and causing breathing problems, the doctor will probably recommend surgery to remove it.A surgeon will make a small cut on the front of your neck and shave off part of it.The goiter is gone and the pressure in your neck is alleviated.To treat the goiter, surgeons try to remove enough of the thyroid, but leave enough to function properly.You may need to take hormones after the surgery if this isn't possible.
Step 6: Home remedies for goiters should not be used.
Taking turmeric for reducing inflammation is one of the online home remedies for shrinking goiters.There are no verified home remedies for goiters.It's best to follow the treatment plan your doctor suggests.
Step 7: If your doctor tells you to, you should take the supplements.
You might think that taking a supplement will help if you hear that you need more iodine.You should only take a supplement with your doctor's directions.Too much iodine can cause problems with the thyroid.
Step 8: If your goiter is caused by excess iodine, reduce your intake.
In rare cases, too much iodine can cause a goiter.If you have too much iodine in your system, you should reduce your intake to see if it helps the goiter.You can switch from iodized to non-iodized salt.Don't eat seafood and seaweed.If your doctor tells you to, cut your intake.If you don't get enough iodine, you could have other health problems.
Step 9: You should include 150 mcg of iodine in your diet.
If you don't have an underlying health issue, the recommended daily serving of iodine is enough to help your thyroid function properly.If the goiter was caused by your diet, you should get enough iodine to treat it.It is important for pregnant women and children to have enough iodine in their diet.Children less than a year old need more than the pregnant women and breastfeeding women need.
Step 10: Iodized salt can be used in your diet.
iodized salt is the main source of iodine for most people.If you use non-iodized salt, you need to use an iodized type.If you eat a lot of these meals, you will not get the health benefits because they don't use iodized salt.Too much salt can cause health problems.The American FDA does not recommend consuming more than a small amount.You can get all the iodized salt you need for free, below the daily limit.
Step 11: You should eat seaweed twice a week.
seaweed is rich in iodine and is a good source of seafood.It is possible to include this in your diet twice per week.Fish and shellfish are good sources of iodine.