Mumps Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
A Mumps, also known as a goiter, is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the bottom of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple or Adam’s apple.
Although a goiter is generally painless, an enlarged thyroid gland beyond a certain point can make a person cough. It can also cause difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing.
The most common cause of goiter worldwide is a lack of iodine intake in the daily diet. In some developed countries where the use of iodized salt is very common, goiter is more often caused by a lack of thyroid hormone production or even excess; or accompanied by nodules in the gland.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the enlarged thyroid gland, the size of the thyroid gland, and the presence of certain symptoms that are experienced.
Symptom
Not all mumps cause special signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms that can arise include:
- There is swelling at the base of the neck which will appear more clearly when someone shaves or uses cosmetics
- Tightness in the throat
- Cough
Discomfort in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Reason
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones circulate in the blood and regulate the body’s metabolism. These two hormones play a role in the speed of fat and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, regulate body temperature, control heart rate, and regulate protein production.
Several factors can cause an enlarged thyroid gland, including:
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Iodine deficiency
Iodine, which is required for the production of thyroid hormone, is found mainly in seawater. In developing parts of the world, populations living far from seawater or at high altitudes are more likely to be deficient in iodine and have an enlarged thyroid.
Iodine deficiency in the early stages can be made worse by eating foods that inhibit thyroid hormone, such as lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower.
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Graves’ disease
Thyroid enlargement can sometimes occur when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
In Graves’ disease, antibodies produced by the immune system attack the thyroid gland and cause the overproduction of thyroxine. This excess stimulation can cause thyroid swelling.
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Hashimoto’s disease
Thyroid enlargement can also occur due to an underactive thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease occurs as a result of the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland and causing a decrease in thyroid hormone production.
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Multinodular thyroid swelling
In this condition, there are solid or fluid-filled lumps that arise on both sides of the thyroid gland. This lump causes enlargement of the thyroid gland as a whole.
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Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is much less common than benign thyroid nodules. A thyroid nodule biopsy may be done to determine if cancer cells are present.
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Pregnancy
One of the hormones produced during pregnancy, namely human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can cause mild enlargement of the thyroid gland.
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Inflammation
Thyroiditis is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid that can cause pain and swelling. It can also cause over or under-production of thyroxine.
Mumps can occur to anyone, it can also occur in newborns to various age levels. Some common risk factors for thyroid disease are:
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Iodine deficiency
Individuals who live in areas with low iodine supplies and do not have access to iodine supplements are at increased risk of developing goiter.
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Gender
Women have a higher chance of experiencing thyroid disorders than men.
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Age
Mumps is more common in those over the age of 40.
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Medical history
A history of disease of the immune system itself or family members increases the risk of experiencing goiter.
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Pregnancy or menopause
Thyroid disorders are more common during pregnancy or menopause.
- Consumption of certain medications
- Radiation exposure
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of goiter can be determined from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination. In addition, certain supporting examinations can also be carried out if needed.
The doctor can find an enlarged thyroid gland by feeling the neck while asking the patient to swallow during a physical examination. In addition, the doctor can also feel the surface of the neck to check for possible nodules in the thyroid gland.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
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Hormone check
Blood tests can show levels of hormones produced by the thyroid and pituitary glands. When the activity of the thyroid gland decreases, thyroid hormone levels will be low.
At the same time, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland will increase because it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. Conversely, when thyroid activity increases, thyroid hormone levels in the blood will increase and TSH levels will decrease.
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Antibody test
Some causes of goiter involve the production of abnormal antibodies. Blood tests can show the presence of these antibodies.
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Ultrasonography (USG)
An ultrasound exam uses sound waves to create images. This examination can provide information about the size of the thyroid gland and the presence of nodules in the gland that may not be palpable during physical examination.
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Thyroid scan
This test involves injecting a radioactive isotope into a vein. This technique will be followed by imaging using a special camera to create an image on a computer screen.
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Biopsy
When performing a fine needle aspiration biopsy, ultrasound is also used to assist in inserting the needle to take tissue or fluid samples from the thyroid for further evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment for thyroid gland problems depends on a variety of factors, including the underlying disease, the size of the thyroid gland, and the underlying cause.
Doctors can suggest several treatments, such as:
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Observation
If the enlargement of the thyroid gland is mild, causes no complaints, and this gland continues to function normally, the doctor may recommend the patient to undergo routine observation and monitoring.
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Treatment
If hypothyroidism is present, the doctor can prescribe thyroid hormone replacement treatment to deal with complaints caused by hypothyroidism. This method can also reduce the size of the thyroid gland.
If there is inflammation, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to treat it. As for complaints caused by hyperthyroidism, treatment can be done to restore hormone levels to normal.
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Surgery
Removing all or part of the thyroid gland is a treatment option if a goiter causes discomfort, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing.
Surgery is also a treatment option for thyroid cancer. Thyroid hormone replacement treatment will also usually be needed after surgery, depending on the proportion of the thyroid gland removed.
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Radioactive iodine
In some cases, radioactive iodine can be used to treat an overactive thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine can be taken orally and reaches the thyroid gland via the bloodstream, where it acts to damage thyroid cells.
Prevention
For most people, preventing mumps can start with making small changes to their diet. Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones.
Some individuals do not consume enough iodine, which causes the thyroid gland to not work optimally to produce thyroid hormones. Using iodized salt can prevent goiter caused by iodine deficiency.