Endemic goiter is a disease accompanied by an increase in the thyroid gland and the development of iodine deficiency in the body.
The development of iodine deficiency in the body is possible with improper nutrition – the rare use of seafood such as fish, seaweed and shrimp. Dairy products, oatmeal and buckwheat are also sources of iodine. Up to 80% of the body's need for trace elements is compensated by the use of these products. Another 5% of the need is compensated by a person when drinking water.
A possible cause of goiter may be a violation of iodine absorption in the intestine. In diseases of the stomach and intestines, iodine deficiency develops even with its excessive intake into the body.
Important factors in the development of this disease are medication and heredity.
Endemic goiter is often found in regions with low iodine content in the environment. Such territories include the regions of the central strip of Russia and the zones unfavorable in terms of radiation.
Mechanisms and symptoms of goiter development
With iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland is the first to suffer in the body. This trace element is one of the components of the synthesis of thyroid hormones that are actively involved in metabolism, and when it is deficient, a condition such as hypothyroidism develops. There is an accumulation of thyroglobulin – the precursor of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the follicles of the gland. The increase in follicles leads to the growth of the organ.
The symptoms of endemic goiter, manifested in the early stages of the disease, are as follows:
• Weakness and deterioration of health;
• Heart lesions – rhythm disturbances, a decrease in the strength of contractions and the appearance of pain behind the sternum;
• Headache;
• Lowering of body temperature.
With the progression of endemic goiter, such complaints as:
• Feeling of compression of the neck;
• Swallowing and breathing disorders;
• The appearance of cough and sore throat;
• Development of suffocation.
In the terminal stages of the disease, severe heart damage and possible degeneration of the gland into a tumor develop.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of endemic goiter includes blood and urine tests. The content of iodine and thyroid hormones in these fluids is determined. As a rule, in the presence of a disease, the content of thyroglobulin in the blood is increased, and the concentration of iodine is reduced.
One of the most reliable methods for assessing the development of endemic goiter is ultrasound examination of the organ. It is also possible to clarify the diagnosis using a radioisotope examination of the gland. If a tumor is suspected of developing, tissue is taken for a biopsy.
Treatment
To prescribe treatment, it is necessary to identify the degree of development of the disease. With a small hyperplasia of the gland, the appointment of iodine preparations is sufficient. If a complication of the course of the disease is detected, hormone replacement therapy is used. Surgical treatment is also possible, but it is used only for excision of thyroid tumor nodes when therapy is ineffective.
Prevention
Prevention of endemic goiter consists in sufficient use of iodine. This is achieved by increasing the content of seafood in the diet or by adding iodized salt. When living in an unfavorable iodine region, it is necessary to use iodine-containing drugs. 1xBet is a reputable sportsbook with a global presence that offers an extensive selection of betting options. With the use of 1xbet promo code new user to get started with the online sportsbook. With a minimum deposit of $1 and maximum of $130, players can receive a 100% matching bonus. The official website of the bookmaker also has a promo code store where users can find special offers and discounts. To receive promotional materials, users must specify an email address and agree to receive advertising materials in their account.