Goitre causes, symptoms and treatment

What is retrograde goitre and what is its best management apart from surgery?
( 8 Apr 2010)

Goiter is a condition that is characterized by a swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland. This is condition is caused due the presence of a thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland produces hormones that are responsible for a large part of the metabolic activities that take place within our body.

At times the production of these hormones is affected either because the thyroid gland by itself is unable to produce a sufficient amount of the hormones, or because some other external factor is not permitting it to do so. The gland thus swells up in an attempt to generate a larger amount of the hormones. Some of the common symptoms of this condition are; weight gain, fatigue, lack of appetite, fluid retention, depression, constipation and mental fogginess. A deficiency in iodine is considered to be the prime cause of this condition although, certain food types and hormonal changes within the body could also lead to it. If the goiter is small, a large number of treatment options are available. However, on the other hand if a large goiter begins to exert pressure on the windpipe, making breathing or swallowing a problem, then surgery may be required.

Here are a few home remedies that can help in treating this condition to some extent. Make a thick paste out of some watercress leaves and apply this onto the swelling. Leave the application on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This paste should be applied 2-3 times a day to reduce the swelling. As an alternative, you could mix together two tablespoons of watercress juice with a glass of water. This concoction should be had once a day. Drinking a glass of barley water daily is also considered to be beneficial for this condition.

Add 2 tablespoons of flax seeds to a glass of water and then boil the two for about 5-10 minutes. Once the water cools, strain it out and grind the boiled seeds into a thin paste. This must then be applied on to the swelling and the area should be bandaged with a clean piece of cotton cloth. Leave the application on for an hour or two before rinsing it off. Avoid greasy, oily and fried foods. In addition the consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol and food items which contain white flour should also be reduced. Lastly, consume four to five small meals in a day instead of just three large ones.

answered by G M on 8 Apr 2010, 1:27:31

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Goitre causes, symptoms and treatment

What is retrograde goitre and what is its best management apart from surgery? ( 8 Apr 2010)

What is retrograde goitre and what is its best management apart from surgery?
( 8 Apr 2010)