Endemic goitre

Endemic goitre
A woman, probably from inland of Norway, with goiter, probably due to iodine deficiency.
SpecialtyEndocrinology Edit this on Wikidata
SymptomsGoitre
CausesIodine deficiency

Endemic goitre is a type of goitre that is associated with dietary iodine deficiency.[1][2]

Cause

Some inland areas, where soil and water lacks iodine compounds and consumption of marine foods is low, are known for higher incidence of goitre. In such areas goitre is said to be "endemic".[citation needed]

Prevention

This type of goitre is easily preventable. In most developed countries regulations have been put into force by health policy institutions requiring salt, flour or water to be fortified with iodine.[citation needed]

Treatment

Treatment of endemic goitre is medical with iodine and thyroxine preparations. Surgery is only necessary in cases that are complicated by significant compression of nearby structures.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "Endemic Goiter (Medical condition)". Encyclopedia of Britannica. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  2. ^ BA, Lamberg (1991). "Endemic Goitre—Iodine Deficiency Disorders". Annals of Medicine. 23 (4): 367–72. doi:10.3109/07853899109148075. PMID 1718324.