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Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd is a pediatric otolaryngologist in Cincinnati, OH specializing in pediatric otolaryngology (ear nose and throat). She graduated from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2016 and has 10 years of experience. Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd is affiliated with Cincinnati Children's.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd graduated from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2016. She completed residency at University of Illinois at Chicago Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certified and has a state license in Ohio.
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (2016)
Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago Affiliated Hospitals (2021)
Board Certification: Board Certified
Licensed In: Ohio
Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd appears to accept the following insurance providers: Humana Behavioral Health, HealthLink, Inc., Health Ohio Network, Ohio Medicaid (Traditional), CareSource (Ohio & Indiana), MedBen (for select employers), Evolutions Healthcare Systems, Inc., AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Ohio Health Choice, Cigna Behavioral Health (Cigna behavioral health carrier), Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc., Humana Healthy Horizons (Ohio & Kentucky), Beech Street Corporation, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Ohio & Kentucky), West Virginia Medicaid (Traditional), Aetna, HealthSmart Preferred Care, Paramount Health Care (Letter of Agreement only, not advertised as a participating provider), First Health Group / Coventry Health Care, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Galaxy Health Network, Indiana Medicaid (Traditional), Margaret Mary Health, Anthem (Ohio & Indiana), Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, Buckeye Community Health Plan, Optum Behavioral Health (formerly United Behavioral Health, Inc.), Medical Mutual of Ohio, WellCare of Kentucky, The Health Plan (Letter of Agreement only, not advertised as a participating provider), United HealthCare of Ohio, Inc., Custom Design Benefits (for select employers), Health Ohio Network - Elite Product, Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare, Private Healthcare Systems, Inc., Kentucky Medicaid (Traditional), Cenpatico (Buckeye Health Plan members only), Cigna, Parkview Health Plan Services/Signature Care and Aetna Better Health OhioRISE.
According to our sources, Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 114 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Ashley Lauren Soaper, MD, MEd from all over the web to help you find the right in Cincinnati, OH.
Ashley L. Soaper, MD, is a pediatric otolaryngologist at Cincinnati Children's, specializing in head and neck, sinus, otologic, and airway disorders. She focuses on surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid disorders, congenital neck masses, and intracapsular tonsillectomy, aiming to improve children's quality of life through expert care.
