Goiter endemic

Goiter endemic( nontoxic goiter, euthyroid goiter) is a disease characterized by an increase in the thyroid gland that occurs in residents of certain geographical areas. Endemic goiter is prevalent in those geographical places where iodine deficiency is present in the environment( food, soil, water).Endemic goiter is considered to be the area if its geographical borders in more than ten percent of the population reveals a mixed, or non-toxic diffuse goiter

Causes

main cause of endemic goiter is iodine deficiency in food, water and soil, and therefore in animals and inPlants of those areas where the goiter disease is a common phenomenon. Confirmation of the theory that iodine deficiency contributes to the emergence of endemic goiter is an indisputably proven fact of diminishing, and in some cases, complete disappearance of the goiter disease, after the regular provision of iodized salt to the population of similar areas.

Iodine is vital to the human body for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine like, so permanent iodine deficiency affects the adequate functioning thyroid

Symptoms Symptoms endemic goiter determined functional status of the thyroid gland, as well as size and form of goiter. In most cases, patients complain of only cosmetic discomforts, but sometimes they may be disturbed by a feeling of pressure in the neck( in women this is especially noticeable during stress or during menstruation).Distinguish between diffuse, nodular and mixed forms of endemic goiter.

In the diffuse form, the thyroid gland is proportionally increased in both lobes, it is well mobile upon swallowing, elastic and painless during palpation.

The nodal shape is characterized by the presence of one or several different in size nodes. When palpation, nodes of partial mobility and density are determined. In some cases, the position and size of the goiter are such that the neighboring organs( blood vessels, esophagus, trachea) are squeezed. Due to impaired blood circulation, which occurred when squeezing the vessels, it is possible to dilate the vessels of the anterior surface of the chest( more often with a retrosternal craw) and the neck.

In most cases, the functional state of the thyroid gland is within normal limits, however, due to the prolonged existence of goiter, its function may be reduced( Hypothyroidism ).In some areas of medium and light endemia, the development of endemic goiter with increased function of the thyroid gland( Hyperthyroidism ) is possible.

The diagnosis of goiter endemic is established based on the data of the doctor's examination that the patient lives in an endemic area and is confirmed by ultrasound and laboratory data. In addition carried radioisotope scanning( study using radioactive iodine)

Treatment Treatment

endemic goiter depends on the functional status of the thyroid gland, the size and shape of the goiter, presence of concomitant diseases. With diffuse goiter with a small increase in the thyroid gland, iodine preparations, prescribed by intermittent courses, give a good effect. In the absence of a positive effect, this treatment is discontinued, as long-term use of large doses of iodine may develop hyperthyroidism. In this case, hypothyroid hormones are prescribed( strictly individually, depending on the presence of cardiovascular system and age of the patient).Duration of treatment can range from several months to several years.

When a large goiter, in the case of a squeezing effect on the neck, an operation is indicated.

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