What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a small gland below the Adam’s apple, in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland produces crucial hormones to help your body function. These hormones regulate body temperature, metabolism, growth, and development to keep your body functioning normally.
Disorders of the Thyroid
Common disorders of the thyroid include:
- Hypothyroidism which is a condition characterized by below-normal thyroid function
- Hyperthyroidism, which is a condition characterized by above-normal thyroid function
- Thyroid growths or nodules or growths, which can develop into thyroid cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
Different thyroid disorders cause different signs and symptoms:
- Hypothyroidism can result in frequently feeling cold, chronic muscle pain, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, and constipation.
- Hyperthyroidism can result in feelings of anxiety, racing heartbeat, extreme sweating, vision problems, weight loss, and increased bowel movements.
- Thyroid growths or nodules can result in neck and throat pain, difficult and painful swallowing, chronic hoarseness, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders are treated with medications to either supplement or decrease thyroid hormones. Thyroid nodules or growths are surgically removed. Thyroid tissue may be biopsied to assess whether abnormal or cancerous cells are present. If evidence of thyroid cancer is found, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both may be necessary.
Why it’s Important to See an ENT Specialist
An ear, nose, and throat specialist is an expert at diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. An ENT specialist is an important part of your healthcare team, especially if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of thyroid disorder.
Want To Know More About Thyroid Disorders and Thyroid Treatment?
To learn more about thyroid disorders' signs, symptoms, and treatment, call the ENT specialists at ENT Center of the Ozarks, serving Northwest Arkansas in Springdale, Rogers, and Fayetteville, AR. You can reach them in any of their clinics in Springdale, Fayetteville, and Rogers, AR, by calling (479) 750-2080, so call today.