Thyroid enlargement caused by compensatory hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the follicular epithelium in response to thyroid hormone deficiency.
Two morphologic forms of goitre are distinguished as simple goitre and nodular goitre.
CAUSES-
Most common cause is dietary lack of iodine, some cases occur due to goitrogens and genetic factors.
CLINICAL FEATURES-
In case of simple goitre, there is diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland accompanied by hypothyroidism due to inadequate supply of iodine. TSH level is elevated. This condition is more marked in females, often appears at puberty or in adolescence, following which it may either regress or may progress to nodular goitre.
Nodular goitre is regarded as the end stage of long standing simple goitre. This condition is characterised by extreme degree of tumour like enlargement of the thyroid gland with nodularity causing cosmetic disfigurement. In many cases, it may cause dysphagia and choking due to compression of oesophagus and trachea. It also affects females mainly but older individuals.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-
1.Iodum-
- Hardness with sensation of constriction
- Tumour becoming more swollen and painful at return of each menses.
- Affects right side mainly
- Goitre soft with heat and rapid pulse
- Excessive palpitations
2.Bromium-
- When iodine fails, this remedy helps
- Enlargement of gland with softness
- Hard goitre
- Palpitations aggravated lying on right side
3.Natrum Mur-
- Irritated very easily
- Cannot bear the heat of sun
- Craving for salt
- Weakness
4.Lachesis-
- Useful in early stages
- Affects mainly left side
- Body feeling extremely hot
- Palpitations with slight tremors
5.Spongia-
- Gland is much enlarged
- Painful goitre
- Pain on swallowing
- Anxiety with low vitality
Some other remedies that are helpful in treatment of goitre are anacardium, baryta carb, calcarea carb, fucus, Lycopus, Lycopodium, graphites, sepia, sulphur, etc. Selection of remedy solely depend upon the symptoms similarity.