Doctors listen for air movement and abnormal lung sounds (rales, wheezes, rhonchi) which can indicate a disease or problem in the lungs.
GoiterGoiter - enlarged thyroid is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The gland can be generally enlarged or have multiple growths (nodules) leading to enlargement of the whole thyroid gland. The latter is termed multinodular goiter (MNGMNG - Multinodular goiter; enlarged thyroid that contains multiple nodules). There are two forms of multinodular goiter: 1) nontoxic MNGNontoxic MNG - multinodular goiter that produces normal levels of thyroid hormone and 2) toxic MNG.
When the thyroid hormone levels are low, weight gain, dry skin and constipation are some of the symptoms. The TSH blood test is usually ordered to diagnose a thyroid disorder. It can also be used to monitor the effects of thyroid replacement therapy. Newborns are screened for an underactive thyroid with the TSH blood test. The TSH blood test involves taking a blood sample from the arm with a needle. For newborn screening, the sample is taken from the heel with a needle prick. No preparation is required for the test, but several things can affect the TSH level. Aspirin and thyroid-replacement therapy drugs will affect the test.