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Goiter: Care Instructions

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A normal thyroid gland and a goiter

Your Care Instructions

A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. It can cause swelling in your neck.

Your thyroid is found in the front of your neck. It makes a hormone that controls how your body uses energy.

Goiters are caused by different things. Some are caused by high or low levels of thyroid hormone. Others are caused by too little iodine in the diet, or a growth or disease in the thyroid. In the United States, most goiters are caused by long-term autoimmune thyroiditis. This is also called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It happens when the body's immune system damages the thyroid.

You may take thyroid hormone to reduce the size of your goiter. Or you may need surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. Some people don't need any treatment. They only need to watch for changes in the goiter.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have trouble breathing.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your eyes turn red and bulge.
  • You have trouble swallowing.
  • You feel very tired or weak.
  • You lose weight but are eating the same or more than usual.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.