A Colloid Goitre is a kind of thyroid disorder where the thyroid gland in your neck becomes enlarged due to the accumulation of colloid, a gel-like substance. Goitre is caused by the deficiency of iodine, a substance required for hormone production by the thyroid gland. This lack of iodine causes enlargement of the thyroid gland, and disrupts normal thyroid function.
Colloid Goitre is mainly divided into two forms: Simple Colloid Goitre and Nodular Colloid Goitre. A simple Colloid Goitre is a smooth, uniformly enlarged thyroid gland. In contrast, a Nodular Colloid Goitre has one or more nodules within the gland, making it feel lumpy.
Nodular Colloid Goitre treatment aims at resolving the underlying iodine deficiency and symptoms of the Goitre. Treatments may include dietary changes to increase iodine intake or medical interventions if the Goitre manifests more severe symptoms or cosmetic concerns. Knowing these causes and symptoms may help in seeking appropriate treatment and managing this thyroid condition effectively.
Colloid Goitre is a condition where the thyroid gland is enlarged due to colloid formation. Understanding the common causes of Colloid Goitre may help in preventing and managing the condition.
The most common Colloid Goitre causes are:
Iodine Deficiency: Insufficient iodine intake is the most common cause of Colloid Goitre. Iodine is needed for the generation of thyroid hormones and without it, the thyroid gland expands to try and get more iodine from the bloodstream.
Genetic Factors: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to thyroid disorders like Colloid Goitre. This genetic tendency may affect how the thyroid absorbs and uses iodine.
Autoimmune Disorders: Colloid Goitre may be caused by some autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland erroneously, causing it to bulge and produce too much or insufficient hormones.
Hormonal Changes: Thyroid gland enlargement can happen with significant hormonal changes including pregnancy, menopause, or puberty.
Some Medications: Some medications interfere with thyroid function and cause Goitre formation. For example, lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder but affects thyroid hormone production.
Environmental Factors: Goitre might also be caused by contact with certain environmental components, like goitrogens, i.e., substances which interfere with the generation of thyroid hormones. Common goitrogens include cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli.
Colloid Goitre generally develops gradually and some people may not notice symptoms immediately. Still, as the thyroid gland expands, several signs and symptoms might appear, which must be recognised for timely diagnosis and control.
The most obvious Colloid Goitre symptoms are:
The most obvious sign of Colloid Goitre is swelling at the base of the neck. It may either be a tiny lump or a large mass.
As the Goitre grows in size, it may feel like a tightness or pressure around the neck and sometimes cause discomfort or difficulty wearing tight collars or neckties.
An enlarged thyroid could press against the oesophagus, the tube which delivers foods from your mouth to the stomach. This pressure makes it difficult to swallow solid foods.
A large Goitre may press on the trachea (windpipe) and cause breathing problems when lying down or exercising.
Pressure from the enlarged gland may also lead to a hoarse voice or changes in the voice.
If the thyroid presses against the windpipe, persistent, unexplained coughing may result from Colloid Goitre.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Colloid Goitre using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically made blends that help to rebalance the body’s energy system and support emotional balance.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness-Practices: These calming practices promote mental health and general wellness.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Procedures like Panchakarma and various therapeutic massages cleanse the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on dietary and lifestyle adjustments for better health results.
Ayurveda offers certain natural herbs that are used to treat the specific causes and symptoms of thyroid enlargements including granthi (nodules) and galaganda (Goitre).
Some effective Ayurvedic herbs for Nodular Colloid Goitre treatment are:
Amarsundari Vati: This formulation is believed to balance Vata and Kapha doshas. It also helps regulate body functions including cell division and growth, potentially decreasing the size of thyroid nodules.
Vridhivadhika Vati: Like Amarsundari Vati, this formulation is known to normalise the body's regulatory functions (cell division and growth) and reduces granthi size.
Hallataka (Semecarpus Anacardium): Hallataka is believed to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
Vacha (Acorus Calamus): As a bitter tonic with scraping properties, Vacha is useful for managing thyroid growths and tumours.
Triphala (Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki): This Ayurvedic mix helps improve immunity and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are good for thyroid health.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): It has immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative effects and is used for treating nodular thyroid diseases without toxicity.
Vasa (Adhatoda Vasica): Vasa is renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action and supports thyroid function.
Shigru (Moringa Oleifera): Shigru is known for its antioxidant properties, which helps manage thyroid problems.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Guduchi is used for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties in thyroid health management.
Yashti (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): It is believed to relieve inflammation and promote immune function, which helps with thyroid health.
Varuna (Crataeva Nurvala): Varuna possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may normalise thyroid function and reduce gland swelling.
Initial signs of Colloid Goitre may include mild neck swelling, changes in voice or difficulty swallowing.
Yes, managing weight, keeping stress under control and exercising regularly can help support thyroid function and prevent thyroid disorders like Goitre.
Ayurveda diagnosis of Colloid Goitre requires assessment of the dosha balance, physical examination of the neck and detailed patient history to establish lifestyle and dietary habits.
Yes, Ayurvedic herbs and treatments can shrink the size of nodules and restore thyroid function, but individual results may vary.
This condition is not always hereditary, but genetic predisposition to thyroid problems makes some people susceptible to Goitre.
Ayurveda recommends consuming seaweed, dairy products and fish for iodine content and cooking cruciferous vegetables well for goitrogenic reduction.
Chronic stress may disturb hormonal balance and result in thyroid gland dysfunctions like Goitre.
Herbs like Ashwagandha, Guggul and Kanchnar are preferred in Ayurveda as they support thyroid health and help with thyroid management.
If not treated on time, Colloid Goitre may lead to more serious problems including difficulty breathing, severe swelling and changes in heart rate and body metabolism.
Yes, children can develop Colloid Goitre, mainly due to dietary iodine deficiency. In children, Ayurvedic treatment may include dietary management and herbal medicines according to the body system and age of the child.
