What is the thyroid?
The thyroid gland is an organ located in the front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormone which is important for the regulation of metabolism in adults. In children, it is important for physical growth and mental development.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?
Thyroid Problems may present as a neck swelling or lump in the front of the neck. These lumps are usually located near the midline at the lower part of the neck. You may notice that the swelling moves up and down during swallowing. If the thyroid is very large, you may also experience difficulty swallowing, tightness in the neck and throat, or difficulty breathing especially when lying down.
In some cases, the thyroid hormone levels may be affected. If the levels are too high, you may experience symptoms such as increased sweating, increased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, palpitations, and diarrhoea. If the thyroid hormone levels are low, you may experience lethargy, reduced appetite, weight gain, and constipation.