A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland and can occur for a number of different reasons. The thyroid is a small, butterfly- shaped gland inside the neck, just below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland produces hormones which control the body’s metabolism and regulate the rate at which the body carries out its functions.

The presence of an enlarged goiter usually means that the thyroid gland is not functioning normally. Causes of a goiter include an imbalance in the thyroid gland and Goiter symptoms generally occur in a gland that is overactive, producing too much hormone (Hyperthyroidism), or that is underactive, producing too little hormone (Hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of Goiter
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Neck and Ear Pain
Stress & Anxiety
Sore Throat
Difficulty swallowing
Headaches
Snoring
Coughing
Swelling or disfigurement of the neck
A feeling of tightness in your throat
Difficulty breathing

Tips for Coping with Goiter
-- Eat a diet high in protein to replace muscle tissue that is lost from an overactive thyroid
-- Eat a low fat diet if you are overweight
-- Drink bottled water. Fluoride and a product known as perchlorate, are substances in tap water that may trigger or worsen the risk of thyroid problems
-- Good dietary sources of iodine are seaweed, salt water fish and shellfish. These foods are recommended for people with underactive thyroids. 
-- Excessive soy isoflavones may trigger or worsen hypothyroidism, goiter or nodules
-- Avoid feeding babies soy-based formulas – there is evidence that this can contribute to later risk of thyroid disease
-- Try to give up smoking as it damages the thyroid
-- Try to reduce your stress. Using mind-body techniques can help to prevent thyroid disease.