Can Breathlessness And Difficulty Swallowing Lead To A Goiter?

Posted on Sun, 11 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a goiter in my younger years. I am having trouble breathing and swallowing. Could this be another goiter?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

A thyroid ultrasound is needed;

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

It may happen that the goiter increases further during life and it may be visible or not.

As the thyroid has close relations to esophagus and trachea, it may cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing when these organs are compressed.

It is easily verified with an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
So, it may be possible that the symptoms you reported are due to goiter even though you do not see any change from outside.

A thyroid ultrasound will give important information regarding thyroid size and structure.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T