How do you check for an enlarged thyroid?
- Stand in front of a mirror. Stand in front of a mirror so that you can see your neck.
- Extend your neck back. Gently extend your neck back.
- Take a sip of water.
- Look for enlargements as you swallow.
- Feel for bumps and enlargement.
- Follow up with your healthcare provider.
How do you tell if your thyroid gland is inflamed?
Symptoms of inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) include:
- Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) Fatigue. Weight gain. Constipation.
- High thyroid hormone levels in the blood (hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis) Anxiety. Trouble sleeping (insomnia) Heart palpitations (fast heart rate)
- Tremors.
- Pain in the thyroid.
What does an enlarged thyroid gland indicate?
A goiter can occur in a gland that is producing too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), too little hormone (hypothyroidism), or the correct amount of hormone (euthyroidism). A goiter indicates there is a condition present which is causing the thyroid to grow abnormally.
Can you feel an enlarged thyroid?
The main symptoms of goiter include: 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)
Can you feel your thyroid gland in your neck?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. Your thyroid lies below your Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe. The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it.
Can you feel a swollen thyroid?
How do I know if my thyroid is normal?
The best way to determine if you have a thyroid condition is to consult your physician as soon as possible. Your doctor may conduct a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test, a simple blood test that measures whether your thyroid gland is functioning normally or not.
What should thyroid feel like?
“It is usually painless,” says Lorch. “If it is tender, that could mean that a tumor is growing relatively fast, which could be a warning sign. On the other hand, there are a lot of things that could cause discomfort in the thyroid gland, like inflammation, so pain is not necessarily a good or bad sign.”
Can you feel an enlarged thyroid when swallowing?
If you have a thyroid disorder, you may feel as if you have a lump in your throat when you swallow. In some cases, the thyroid gland is situated at the base of your neck, and when it becomes enlarged, it can press into your windpipe. Thyroid enlargement is referred to as a goiter.